Common Name: wild cucumber, balsam appleScientific Name: Echinocystis lobata (Michx.) T. & G.Family Name: Cucurbitaceae - Gourd FamilyIdentification NotesLife Cyclenative annual, reproducing by seed Stemsgrows as vine, smooth, grooved, corkscrew tendrils, sometimes with hairy nodes Leavesalternate, 5-7 strongly-pointed lobes, small toothed margins Flowers 6-petaled, yellowish-white; stalked axillary racemes Fruitpulpy, sharp-pointed spines, spines bendable, 4-seeded