Creeping cucumber is a climbing perennial herb with several tuberous roots and slender, branched furrowed stem bearing simple tendrils. Leaves are broadly ovate, 0.5-1.5 cm long, and have many different forms. They can be nearly circular, ovate, oblong or narrowly lance-shaped, 3-5 angled or lobed, deeply heart-shaped at the base. Margins are sometimes slightly toothed. Flowers are small, yellow or white, about 6 x 4 mm - males in umbel-like racemes or fascicled, female ones are borne singly. Fruit is oblong-ovoid, cylindric, about 2.5 x 1.5 cm, ribbed, bright red when ripe. Flowering: April-July.
Medicinal uses: Root is stimulant and purgative. Leaf has anti-inflamatory properties as regards rashes. It helps maintain a healthy skin and is an important ingredient of skin conditioning lotions.