On the taxonomic status, occurrence and distribution of Cucumis hystrix Chakrav. and Cucumis muriculatus Chakrav. (Cucurbitaceae) in India

Field observations and herbarium studies distinguish C. muriculatus from C. hystrix for many distinct morphological characters. The present record of C. muriculatus in India is based on the collections from Mizoram, previously described as Cucumis hystrix var. mizoramensis Sutar et S.R. Yadav, and is synonymized under it here. Full description, taxonomic key and comparative morphology of C. muriculatus and C. hystrix are given along with notes on their ecology, adaptability under cultivation and economic potential. Collections of these two rare crop wild relatives of cucumber from Indian Gene Centre assume great significance for cucumber improvement.