Status: Native
Synonyms:
Cucurbita perennis Gray
Pepo foetidissima (Humboldt, Bonpland, & Kunth) Britton
Cucurbita foetidissima is a large plant which is sprawling and prostrate. The leaves can reach large dimensions. The flowers are large and yellow orange with a fringed or rolled margin. The fruits are ovoid and marked with light and dark green when fresh. Cucurbita foetidissima is found at lower to middle elevations. The crushed leaves of this plant have a foul smell, said to resemble the odor of a sweaty armpit. Other members of this family include pumpkin, cucumber and various squashes. Most of these have seeds that look similar to pumpkin or cucumber seeds.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Cucurbita foetidissima, photo Russ Kleinman, Silver City, May 19, 2007
Cucurbita foetidissima, closeup of flower, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Gila Bird Area, May 23, 2007
Cucurbita foetidissima, gourds, photo Russ Kleinman, Tyrone, Aug. 12, 2008
Cucurbita foetidissima, closeup of gourd before opening to photograph seeds, photo Russ Kleinman, Tyrone, Jan. 2, 2009
Cucurbita foetidissima, gourd cut in half, photo Russ Kleinman, Tyrone, Jan. 2, 2009
Cucurbita foetidissima, 1x macro of seeds, photo Russ Kleinman, Tyrone, Jan. 2, 2009
Cucurbita foetidissima, closeup of flower, photo Russ Kleinman & Bill Norris, Scott Park, June 9, 2009
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