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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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Science & Nature • Botany

Cucumber

The cucumber is a plant species, *Cucumis sativus*, in the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a plant species in the gourd family Cucurbitaceae. It is widely cultivated for its elongated fruit, which is botanically a fruit but commonly eaten as a vegetable. The same species also includes the pickling form known as a cornichon or gherkin.

Taxonomy

Cucumis sativus is a species in the gourd family Cucurbitaceae. It is commonly referred to as cucumber, and the same species also includes the pickling form known as cornichon or gherkin.

Description

The cucumber is an annual herbaceous plant that can trail along the ground or climb with the help of tendrils. It is cultivated for its fruit, which is typically elongated and eaten fresh or preserved.

Origin and domestication

The provided sources state that cucumber originated near the Himalayas and was domesticated in India at least 3,000 years ago, with some sources placing cultivation in India and China in very ancient times.

Use in food

Although botanically a fruit, cucumber is commonly treated as a vegetable in cuisine. It is eaten fresh, and the same species is also used for pickling as cornichons or gherkins.

Key facts

  • Cucumber belongs to the genus Cucumis and the family Cucurbitaceae.
  • Its fruit is botanically a fruit, even though it is usually eaten as a vegetable.
  • Cucumber and cornichon/gherkin are the same species, Cucumis sativus.
  • The plant is described as herbaceous, climbing or trailing, with tendrils.
  • Domestication occurred in India, with natural growth near the Himalayas.
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Canadian context

Cucumbers are a common vegetable crop and grocery item in Canada, grown in gardens and greenhouses and used fresh in salads, pickling, and other foods.

Frequently asked questions

Is cucumber a fruit or a vegetable?
Botanically, cucumber is a fruit because it develops from the plant’s flower and contains seeds, but it is usually eaten and classified culinarily as a vegetable.
What is the scientific name of cucumber?
The scientific name is Cucumis sativus.
Are cucumber and cornichon the same plant?
Yes. The provided sources state that cucumber and cornichon/gherkin are the same species, Cucumis sativus.
What family does cucumber belong to?
Cucumber belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes melons, squashes, and related plants.
Where did cucumber come from?
The provided sources say it grew naturally near the Himalayas and was domesticated in India thousands of years ago.

References

  1. Wikipédia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concombre
    Supports: Scientific name, family, botanical description, same species as cornichon, and origin/domestication claim.
  2. PlantNet — https://identify.plantnet.org/fr/k-world-flora/species/Cucumis%20sativus%20L./data
    Supports: Accepted species name and common name.
  3. Omnibota — http://www.omnibota.com/Export/Fiche.php?IDInterne=14024
    Supports: Scientific name, genus, family, and common French/English names.
  4. Société Nationale d’Horticulture de France — https://www.snhf.org/fiche-plante/concombre/
    Supports: Family, plant form, flowering traits, same species as cornichon, and origin notes.