Hebrew: מְלָפְפוֹן, melafefon
Family: Cucurbitaceae Juss
Scientific name: Cucumis sativus
The cucumber is a climbing annual plant from the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae), and is a summer crop.
The melafefon is mentioned in the Mishnah in several contexts: in the laws of kilayim as a species similar to kishut, as a species subject to terumot and ma’aserot even when harvesting while still small, among other references.
Cucumber originates from South Asia and is one of the later plants domesticated for human use. It is likely that this plant reached the region toward the end of the Mishnaic period or even later. This has led many commentators and researchers to argue that the melafefon mentioned in the Mishnah is not identical to the modern cucumber but rather refers to two similar species: melon or Armenian cucumber. However, some still maintain that it does refer to the cucumber as we know it today.
Kilei zera’im & kilei hakerem (interplanting: annuals & grapevines): Gourds have a high tendency to spread in fields. Some opinions state that a distance of two cubits (approx. 1 m) must be maintained from other species in all directions. If planting two different gourd species, the required separation is four cubits (approx. 2 m). Such distances should also be maintained from grapevines.
Grafting: In recent years, due to reduced pesticide use, various gourd species, including cucumbers, have been grafted onto pumpkin rootstocks. This type of grafting is halachically prohibited, but post facto, the fruit itself is not forbidden.
