Creeping plant ( Cucumis sativus ), of the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae), or its oblong fruit, for which it is widely cultivated.
It probably originated in northern India. The plant is a tender annual with a rough, succulent, trailing stem and hairy leaves with pointed lobes; the stem bears branched tendrils by which the plant can suspend itself. The food value of the fruit is low, but its delicate flavour makes it a popular vegetable for salads and relishes.