[3] Melothria sphaerocarpa produces climbing vines up to 4 meters long which are covered in stiff hairs.

The fruit is egg-shaped or an elongated ovate shape, up to about 19 centimeters long and 8 wide, and cream in color with green streaks.

[6][1] Melothria sphaerocarpa is native to southeast Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Central America (Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama) and tropical South America (Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, north Brazil, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela).

High in essential vitamins and minerals, egusi-itoo complements the starch and grain diet of most Africans.

In the transitional zone of West Africa this crop is sown during the major rainy season[11] between March and May.

[10] Growing methods contrast in the northern savannahs where conditions are more challenging with low fertility and organic matter.

[3] The physical signs of ripe fruit include creamy colour and dried stems and leaves.

It is drought tolerant, thriving in West Africa's dry regions, adapted to semiarid zones, and is also compatible with warmer tropical highlands.

Primary issues include the fungus Macrophomina phaseolina, which attacks the roots and lower stems of the crop[13] causing damping-off disease.

Halticus tibialis is a flea hopper similar to an aphid and may also cause problems for egusi-itoo crops, often killing the leaves of the plant by sucking out sap.

Intercropping with sorghum, cassava, coffee, cotton, maize, or banana crops can reduce weedings during the growing season from 2-3 to just one.

[13] There is a need for more widespread knowledge on Melothria sphaerocarpa in order to re-popularize the crop and spread its many benefits.

[17] It is important to ensure that the fruit has reached full maturity before harvest in order to secure maximum egusi yields.

This allows for increased germination ability of stored seeds ensuring productive future yields.

[18] In order to achieve the highest possible seed quality it is recommended that harvested fruits be left for 10–20 days to after-ripen.

[17] In order to combat pests such as the Dacus punctifrons fields should be rotated yearly, as the fly pupae remain in the soil.

[11] Egusi-itoo is the perfect complement to the largely starch-rich grain diet of Africa, providing a high-protein and high-energy concentrate.

This composition is ideal for sick and growing bodies, providing essential amino acids and calories.