best known as Xerosicyos pubescens, is a dioecious perennial, caudiciform plant in the gourd family or Cucurbitaceae, forming a large caudex from which creeper deciduous vines characterized by tendrils emerge. The leaves are lobed, finely hairy, and semi-succulent and die back in the dry season and during prolonged periods of drought. Cultivated specimens are rare and sought after.
Derivation of specific name. 'pubescens' Latin, pubescent, finely hairy, downy; for the pubescent leaves.
Derivation of specific name. 'pubescens' Latin, pubescent, finely hairy, downy; for the pubescent leaves.