COLIBRI

Melothria 'Colibri' – a miniature vine of the gourd family, native to Africa and widespread in Central Africa and southern North America. The plant reaches 3–4 meters in length, has branched stems, dark green ivy-like leaves with triangular acute leaflets, slightly pubescent. Flowers are bright yellow: female solitary, male gathered in bunches.

Melothria 'Colibri' fruits are small (1.5–2.5 cm), striped green with thick skin and slightly rough surface. The taste resembles fresh cucumber with a sourish aftertaste; sometimes it is compared to cucumber seasoned with lemon juice. Thanks to this, they are excellent for pickling, marinating, adding to salads and assortments.

The plant grows easily on loose, well-moistened soils, does not require special care: periodic weeding, watering, and loosening are sufficient. For active fruiting, nitrogen fertilizers are recommended at the beginning of growth and phosphorus-potassium ones every 10 days during flowering. Seeds are germinated in cups in March–April, planted after the heat sets in.

'Colibri' also forms root tubers (300–600 g), similar to batata, which retain moisture and useful substances. After frost, they are dug up and consumed. From one bush, you can get 4–6 kg of fruits and up to 1.5 kg of tubers.