Green-stripe cushaw
Cucurbita argyrosperma var. callicarpa
Family: Cucurbitaceae
What it is like
A pumpkin family plant. It is a creeping or climbing plant. It can be hairy. The stems are slightly angular. The leaves are oval or heart shaped and 10-30 cm by 15-40 cm. The leaf stalks are 30 cm long. The leaves have triangular lobes. The male flowers are on stalks 10-20 cm long. The female flowers are on short stalks 2-3.5 cm long. The fruit can be short or long and straight or curved. The fruit re 11-50 cm long. The fruit has a hard skin and green stripes. The flesh is white, yellow or orange. The seeds are 15-30 mm long by 8-16 mm wide. They have a smooth white skin.
There are 25 Cucurbita species. Seeds are 39% oil and 44% protein.
Where it is found
A subtropical plant. They grow between sea level and 1800 m altitude.
Countries/locations it is found in
Argentina, Central America, Mexico, North America, Peru, South America, USA
How it is used for food
The seeds are eaten roasted, toasted or ground. They are used in sauces and stews.
Edible parts
Fruit, flowers, young stems, seeds
How it is grown
Seed are planted at the start of the rainy season.
Fruit for eating can be ready 3 months after sowing. Seed take 5-7 months.
Its other names
Local names
Japanese pie pumpkin, White cushaw