Many believe that the true Gherkin (West Indian or Burr cucumber) is Cucumis anguria. This plant produces small, exceptionally spiny fruit used exclusively for pickles. Plants are originally from Africa and are popular in the northeast and north of Brazil. The culture of gherkins is similar to common pickling cucumbers, except the plants are smaller and require less space. There are many varieties of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) that grow fruit suitable for pickling.
