Page "Gherkin" Paragraph 2

The term can also be used to refer to the West Indian Burr Gherkin ( Cucumis anguria ), a related species, originally from West Africa and introduced to the West Indies, probably by the Portuguese.

The Burr Gherkin, or badunga, cannot interbreed with the aforementioned Gherkin.

It is edible and may be pickled, but must be picked when no longer than long, since it becomes bitter and spiny if allowed to grow larger.