Most species do not readily root from the nodes a notable exception is C. ficifolia, and the four other cultivated mesophytes do this to a lesser extent. Growing 5 to 15 meters (15 to 50 ft) in height or length, the plant stem produces tendrils to help it climb adjacent plants and structures or extend along the ground. Cultivated Cucurbita species were derived from the first group. The second group are perennials growing in arid zones and so are xerophytic, tolerating dry conditions. they require a more or less continuous water supply. The first group are annual or short-lived perennial vines and are mesophytic, i.e. maxima, all othersĬucurbita species fall into two main groups. pepo pumpkins – the two bright orange ones in center right, and squashes C.
The fruits have many culinary uses including pumpkin pie, biscuits, bread, desserts, puddings, beverages, and soups.Ĭ. The fruits of the genus Cucurbita are good sources of nutrients, such as vitamin A and vitamin C, among other nutrients according to species. All of these can be treated as winter squash because the full-grown fruits can be stored for months however, C. pepo includes some cultivars that are better used only as summer squash.
The five domesticated species are Cucurbita argyrosperma, C. ficifolia, C. maxima, C. moschata, and C. pepo. There is debate about the taxonomy of the genus, as the number of accepted species varies from 13 to 30. Many North and Central American species are visited by specialist bee pollinators, but other insects with more general feeding habits, such as honey bees, also visit. The female flowers produce the fruit and the male flowers produce pollen. The yellow or orange flowers on a Cucurbita plant are of two types: female and male. Most Cucurbita species are herbaceous vines that grow several meters in length and have tendrils, but non-vining "bush" cultivars of C. pepo and C. maxima have also been developed. These other gourds are used as utensils or vessels, and their young fruits are eaten much like those of the Cucurbita species. Other kinds of gourd, also called bottle-gourds, are native to Africa and belong to the genus Lagenaria, which is in the same family and subfamily as Cucurbita, but in a different tribe. Five species are grown worldwide for their edible vegetable, variously known as squash, pumpkin, or gourd, depending on species, variety, and local parlance, and for their seeds. 1838 ( Juncaceae) nor Klotzsch 1838 ( Ericaceae) Ĭucurbita ( Latin for gourd) is a genus of herbaceous vegetables in the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae (also known as cucurbits or cucurbi) native to the Andes and Mesoamerica. Tristemon Scheele 1848, illegitimate homonym, not Raf.Grouped together to more easily see differences.Genus of herbaceous vines in the gourd family, CucurbitaceaeĬucurbita fruits come in an assortment of colors and sizes. Fruits are shades of yellow, white, and green. Stem cork-like - more irregular and less round than Maxima. Flowers star- shaped with petals rolled up. Jagged leaf margin - sometimes deeply lobed. Fruit shape is round, blocky, or elongated.įruits are shades of white, green, and yellow.įruit shape is round, blocky, elongated, or necked. Stem 5 sided - star-like - very angular.įruits are shades of white, green, yellow, orange, and buff.įruit size up to about 30 pounds. Seeds small to medium - often with a dark margin.įlowers fat star shaped. Fruit shape is blocky, elongated, or necked.
Immature fruits are light green, buff, or dark green. Stem 5 sided and flared where it connects to squash.
Only common squash which may produce brown seeds. Squash over 40 pounds are almost always Maximas.įruit shape is round, blocky, or elongated. Mature fruits are commonly shades of green, orange, and peach. Drop the worry, and allow your plants to thrive. Welcome to gardening with ease, joy, and contentment.