Buffalo gourd
Cucurbita foetidissima
Family: Cucurbitaceae
What it is like
A pumpkin family plant. It is a large plant. It has a bad smell. It has a very large root. The root can be 30 cm across and 2.7 m long. It can re-grow from this root. The stems are long and rough. They can be 7-10 m long. The leaves are triangle shape. They are rough and hairy. They can be 25 cm long. The flowers are yellow. They are large and bell shaped. They are 5-10 cm long. The fruit are 10 cm across. They have green stripes when young. They turn yellow when ripe.
There are 25 Cucurbita species. The seeds are rich in protein.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It grows in the prairies throughout Texas. It will grow in most soils. It is best in an open sunny position. It is resistant to frost but damaged by drought. It suits arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Central America, China, Mexico (country/location of origin), North America (country/location of origin), USA
How it is used for food
The young fruit are bitter but have been cooked and eaten. The seeds are roasted and ground and eaten. The seeds also produce oil. The roots provide starch used as a sweetener and stabiliser. The flowers are cooked with cheese.
Edible parts
Root, seeds, oil, flowers
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by seeds. It can also be grown from sections that have formed roots at the nodes.
Its other names
Local names
Calabaza loca, Calabazilla, Missouri gourd, Prairie gourd, Wild Pumpkin