Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Squash
CUCURBITACEAE
Cucumbers are among the most popular vegetables in Europe, and squash is becoming more
popular all the time, yet these are just the tip of the iceberg in a family full of interesting ve-
getables. The 850 species of cucurbits (as gourd family plants are called) hail from every
continent. All are sensitive to frost and love warmth, and for this reason they thrive in tropic-
al climates; many are climbing vines that grow spiraling tendrils, though the tendril-forming
trait has been bred out of zucchini and other varieties. Among the native European cucurbit
species are the squirting cucumber (
Ecballium elaterium
), white bryony (
Bryonia alba
), and
red bryony (
B. dioica
). Several species are used in floristry, such as the horned melon (
Cu-
cumis metuliferus
) and the lollipop climber or marble vine (
Diplocyclos palmatus
).
GENERAL PROPAGATION CHARACTERISTICS
Cucurbits can produce fruits which are large or small,
round or elongated, and smooth or prickled. The biggest cucurbit fruits are among the largest of any in
the plant kingdom. Botanically, their fruits are considered to be berries. Many cucurbits are dioecious,
but common crop species like cucumbers, squash, and melons are monoecious: each plant produces
male flowers and female flowers. The gourd family also has perennial species, such as chayote or
mirliton (
Sechium edule
), a feature in Louisiana's Cajun cuisine and a delicacy in Central America and
India.
The exploding cucumber (
Cyclanthera brachystachya
) is a climbing cucurbit species.
Overview of the gourd family
COMMON NAME
GENUS
SPECIES
squash, pepo squash, summer squash, zucchini
(courgette), pumpkin
Cucurbita
pepo
