Cucumis prophetarum is a dioecious and prostrate or climbing perennial vine in the family Cucurbitaceae.

[2] It grows wild in semi-desert bushland and grassland up to 6,594 feet (2,010 meters) in elevation, often with acacia trees.

Male flowers occur in clusters of 2–3 on pedicels measuring 3–25 millimeters (0.12–0.98 inches) in length, and are rarely solitary.

[4] The fruit has a bitter flavor when raw and is sometimes boiled or pickled and the leaves are cooked and served with a staple.

[3] The fruit is eaten across its native range and occasionally cultivated and sold in local markets.