This widely cultivated, creeping vine plant in the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae) produces elongated, green-skinned fruits. Botanically, cucumbers are classified as a fruit—specifically, a type of berry called a pepo—because they develop from the flower of the plant and contain seeds.However, they are most often treated and consumed as a vegetable due to their mild, savory flavor and typical use in salads, sandwiches, and pickles.
