You’ve spotted a climbing vine with green fruits and you are probably wondering what it could be. Well, vines come in many forms—some trail along the ground, while others climb upward using tendrils or branches for support. But not all of them bear fruit with shades of green. If you’re looking to identify one that does, here’s a list of the most common vine plants known for bearing green fruits.
1. Cucamelon
Looking like tiny watermelons, cucamelons grow on slender vines that tangle and climb in warm summer weather. Each fruit is about the size of a grape, with a firm green skin patterned like a miniature melon. The taste is refreshingly tart, somewhere between cucumber and lime, making them a fun snack straight from the vine or a crisp addition when pickled. Native to Mexico and Central America, these little fruits thrive in sunny conditions.
2. Passion Fruit
Passion fruit vines produce round green fruits that eventually ripen to purple or golden-yellow, depending on the variety. When still green, the fruits hide their juicy, seed-filled pulp inside a firm outer rind. The vines are vigorous climbers, covering fences and trellises with heart-shaped leaves and striking passion flowers. Known for their sweet-tart flavor, passion fruits are prized in juices, desserts, and fresh eating, but the green stage is often the first sign of their arrival.
3. Giant Granadilla
The giant granadilla is the heavyweight of the passionfruit family, with fruits that can grow nearly a foot long. When young, the fruits are green and oval, dangling heavily from strong vines. Inside lies a fragrant pulp with edible seeds, often enjoyed fresh or used in drinks and desserts. Its climbing vines are just as admired for their bold, colorful flowers, which add as much beauty to gardens as the fruit brings flavor to the table.
4. Maypop (Passiflora incarnata)
Let’s surprise you—your green-fruited vine might not be one of the passion fruits mentioned earlier, but another variety: Maypop. This plant produces stunning purple-and-white passionflowers along with edible fruits. The fruits start off firm and green, egg-sized with a smooth skin. As they mature, the rind shifts to a yellowish hue, but even when green, the pulp inside holds a tangy, jelly-like texture surrounding the seeds. Native to the southeastern United States, maypops are hardy compared to other passion fruits and often pop up in wild fields.
5. Kiwi Berry
Kiwi berries look like pocket-sized kiwifruit, but without the fuzzy brown skin. Instead, their smooth, green surface makes them easy to pop into your mouth whole, like grapes. Inside, the flesh is emerald with tiny black seeds and the same sweet-tart flavor of a regular kiwi. These berries grow on hardy vines that can produce clusters of fruit in cooler climates. Nutritious and bite-sized, they’re a convenient way to enjoy all the goodness of kiwi.
6. Chayote
Chayote is a pale green, pear-shaped fruit that dangles from vigorous climbing vines. The surface is smooth but deeply ridged, giving it a distinctive look. Inside, the crisp white flesh can be eaten raw in salads or lightly cooked like squash to keep its crunch. Common in Latin American and Asian kitchens, chayote is valued for its mild flavor and versatility. Packed with vitamin C, fiber, and folate, it’s as nutritious as it is adaptable.
7. Cucumber
The cucumber vine creeps and climbs, sending out curling tendrils to support its broad leaves. Its fruits are long, slim, and green, often slightly ribbed with rounded or tapered ends. Cucumbers are fresh and crunchy, often eaten in salads and sandwiches. Smaller ones are great for making pickles like gherkins or cornichons.
8. Green Grapes
Green grapes may be seedless or seeded, but all carry a sweet, juicy burst with each bite. Green grapes are enjoyed fresh, turned into raisins, or pressed into juice and wine. Their vines can stretch long and high, often forming lush trellises heavy with fruit in late summer. Beyond their refreshing taste, grapes are also full of antioxidants and natural sugars.
9. Zucchini
Zucchini grows on sprawling vines that produce slender, cylindrical green fruits, sometimes with faint stripes. Although often cooked as a vegetable, zucchini is botanically a fruit. The vines sprout bright yellow blossoms that give way to tender zucchinis, best picked young for a mild flavor and smooth texture. Grilled, baked, or shredded into breads, zucchini is versatile and low in calories.
10. Bitter Melon
Bitter melon vines climb with ease, producing slender, bumpy-skinned fruits that remain green until maturity. The rough, ridged surface makes them stand out from smoother gourds, and inside lies a pale flesh with edible seeds. As the name suggests, the taste is sharp and bitter, but they are prized in Asian cooking for their health benefits and unique flavor.
11. Bottle Gourd
Bottle gourd vines send out trailing stems that yield smooth, green fruits in a variety of shapes—round, bottle-like, or long and curved. The outer skin is tender when young, while the inside is pale and spongy. Often cooked in curries, stews, or stir-fries, bottle gourd is a staple in many cuisines.
12. Moth Vine
Moth vine is a fast-growing climber that can quickly cover fences, trees, and walls with its twining stems. The green fruits resemble small, inflated balls that look harmless but are in fact poisonous to humans and animals. When split open, they reveal silky seeds inside that spread easily by wind. Though striking in appearance, moth vine is considered invasive in many areas, as it smothers native vegetation and spreads aggressively wherever it takes root.
Closing Thoughts
I hope this list has helped you get closer to identifying your mystery green fruit that grows on a vine. Keep in mind, it’s not a complete list—just some of the more common vine fruits you’re likely to come across. Always be cautious: never eat a fruit unless you’re certain of its species and know it’s safe to consume.