The cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a widely cultivated creeping vine plant in the family Cucurbitaceae that bears cylindrical to spherical fruits, which are used as culinary vegetables. There are three main types of cucumbers: slicing, pickling, and seedless, within which several cultivars have been created. It is popular for salads and relishes.  Small fruits are often pickled. The cucumber can be grown in frames or on trellises, however, much like tomatoes and squashes, it is often perceived, prepared, and eaten as a vegetable.