KORILA

Also called Achoa, this relative of squash is a luxuriant trailing vine suited to tropical and sub-tropical areas. It sets fruit when the days become shorter, i.e. after the summer solstice. As a garden plant, korila is better grown on its own short, strong tripod than on a large trellis because it would simply take over the trellis.
The fruits resemble small hollow gourds and taste similar to cucumber but are of a drier texture. Their flavour has been compared to that of globe artichoke. Besides their native Bolivia, Peru and the Caribbean Islands, korilas have reportedly fruited well in New Zealand, Nepal, southern France and even in England in a greenhouse.
If you are growing them successfully in extreme climatic conditions, send news to Seed Savers. We will pass on your information through the Seed Savers' newsletter, and your seed through the International Permaculture Seed Exchange.

Plant Names
Botanical Family: 
CUCURBITACEAE
Common Name: 
KORILA
Genus: 
Cyclanthera
Species: 
pedata
About the Name: 

from the Greek cyclos for "circle", anthos for "flower", and pedatum, Latin for "with feet".

Origins: 

Highlands of Central and South America

Plant Description: 

Also called Achoa, this relative of squash is a luxuriant trailing vine suited to tropical and sub-tropical areas. It sets fruit when the days become shorter, i.e. after the summer solstice. As a garden plant, korila is better grown on its own short, strong tripod than on a large trellis because it would simply take over the trellis.
The fruits resemble small hollow gourds and taste similar to cucumber but are of a drier texture. Their flavour has been compared to that of globe artichoke. Besides their native Bolivia, Peru and the Caribbean Islands, korilas have reportedly fruited well in New Zealand, Nepal, southern France and even in England in a greenhouse.
If you are growing them successfully in extreme climatic conditions, send news to Seed Savers. We will pass on your information through the Seed Savers' newsletter, and your seed through the International Permaculture Seed Exchange.

Variety Notes: 

A member of Brisbane's Organic Growers' Group gave seeds of korila to their seed banker Ron Charteris who passed them around. Eventually, this unlikely vegetable featured in the catalogue of the independent Eden Seeds.

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