Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Cucurbitales
Genus:
Species:
melopepo
ID:
629770

Status:
valid

Authors:
L.

Source:
cmp

Year:
1753

Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 1010 (1753)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000629102

Common Names

  • Pumpkin
  • Cucurbita melopepo
  • Garden Squash

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Synonyms

  • Cucurbita ovifera L. [unknown]
  • Cucurbita pepo ovifera (L.) Alef. [unknown]
  • Cucurbita pepo ovifera (L.) D.S.Decker [unknown]
  • Cucurbita subverrucosa Willd. [unknown]
  • Cucurbita verrucosa L. [unknown]
  • Pepo ovifer (L.) Peterm. [unknown]

Description

Cucurbita melopepo (also called Cucurbita, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Cucurbitaceae. It is found in Mexico and is an annual herb with yellow flowers. It grows in disturbed habitats, such as roadsides and disturbed forests.

Uses & Benefits

Cucurbita melopepo is used as a food crop and for medicinal purposes. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Cucurbita melopepo var. ozarkana (Deck.-Walt.) G.L.Nesom
Cucurbita melopepo var. fraterna (L.H.Bailey) G.L.Nesom
Cucurbita melopepo sub. texana (Scheele) G.L.Nesom

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Cucurbita melopepo is yellow, with five petals and a long, thin stem. The seed is round and black, with a white stripe around the circumference. The seedlings are small, with thin stems and round, yellow leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Cucurbita melopepo is a warm season annual that can be grown from seed. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. The seeds should be planted in early spring, 1/2 inch deep and spaced 12-18 inches apart. The plants should be watered regularly and fertilized every two to three weeks. The fruits should be harvested when they are ripe and can be eaten raw or cooked.

Where to Find Cucurbita melopepo

Cucurbita melopepo is native to Mexico and can be found in parts of Mexico and Guatemala.

Cucurbita melopepo FAQ

What is the scientific name of Cucurbita melopepo?

Cucurbita melopepo

What is the common name of Cucurbita melopepo?

Melopepo Cucurbita

What is the distribution of Cucurbita melopepo?

It is found in North and Central America, Europe, and Asia

Species in the Cucurbitaceae family

Abobra tenuifolia, Acanthosicyos horridus, Actinostemma lobatum, Actinostemma parvifolium, Actinostemma tenerum, Alsomitra macrocarpa, Ampelosicyos humblotii, Ampelosicyos major, Ampelosicyos meridionalis, Ampelosicyos scandens, Ampelosicyos bosseri, Ampelosicyos leandrii, Ampelosycios meridionalis, Ampelosycios scandens, Apodanthera anatuyana, Apodanthera argentea, Apodanthera aspera, Apodanthera biflora, Apodanthera bradei, Apodanthera cinerea, Apodanthera eriocalyx, Apodanthera fasciculata, Apodanthera ferreyrana, Apodanthera glaziovii, Apodanthera hindii, Apodanthera hirtella, Apodanthera laciniosa, Apodanthera linearis, Apodanthera mandonii, Apodanthera mathewsii, Apodanthera palmeri, Apodanthera sagittifolia, Apodanthera smilacifolia, Apodanthera succulenta, Apodanthera tumbeziana, Apodanthera ulei, Apodanthera undulata, Apodanthera villosa, Apodanthera weberbaueri, Apodanthera longipedicellata, Austrobryonia argillicola, Austrobryonia centralis, Austrobryonia micrantha, Austrobryonia pilbarensis, Baijiania borneensis, Baijiania taiwaniana, Baijiania decipiens, Baijiania smitinandii, Bambekea racemosa, Bayabusua clarkei,