Trichosanthes kirilowii var. japonica, commonly known as Chinese Cucumber, Tian Hua Fen, or Gua Lou, is a perennial vine native to a variety of habitats in East Asia, including forest margins, thickets, and along roadsides. It exhibits a moderate growth rate, typically reaching heights of 6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters). This plant is characterized by its tendrils and broad, heart-shaped leaves, which provide a lush, green backdrop for the delicate, white, fragrant flowers that bloom in the summer. The flowers are particularly showy due to their long fringed petals. After flowering, it produces elongated fruits that resemble cucumbers.

Chinese Cucumber is valued for its medicinal properties, as parts of the plant are used in traditional medicine. It is also grown for its ornamental flowers and interesting fruit. In the garden, it can be used to cover trellises, arbors, or fences, providing a quick screen. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers medium-draining clay, loam, or sandy soils. While generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and should be monitored for this disease. Additionally, it may require support structures to manage its climbing habit.CC BY-SA 4.0