I parked my car in the city, got out, and as I walked along a fence running along the carpark, I noticed these interesting vines that had red fruits climbing the top of the fencing.

Then I realised what they were.

Also known by many names ivy gourd, timun tikus, timun padang, pepasan, papasan, scarlet gourd, baby watermelon, little gourd.

An invasive weed to some, easy to grow. The last time I saw this plant was in the kampung, hence I was not expecting to see it in the city.

A useful plant, the leaves and fruits are edible.

They are eaten raw or cooked, and also used in traditional medicine.

Malaysian nature is rich in biodiversity. Let’s promote awareness and protect our natural treasure.