SafePlants

About Gourds

The term "gourd" refers to a variety of plants within the family Cucurbitaceae, particularly those belonging to the genera Cucurbita and Lagenaria. It can also refer to the fruit of two genera within the Bignoniaceae family, specifically the "calabash tree," including Crescentia and Amphitecna. Gourds encompass numerous species and subspecies, some characterized by hard shells, while others lack this feature.

Considerations for Pets

• Some gourds have hard shells, which could present a chewing hazard for pets.

Considerations for Children

• Gourds come in various shapes and sizes, some of which may pose a choking hazard if broken into small pieces.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Cucurbitaceae (for Cucurbita and Lagenaria) or Bignoniaceae (for Crescentia and Amphitecna)
• Common Names: Vegetable Sponge (for Luffa acutangula), White Bush Scallop (for Cucurbita pepo), White-flowered gourd, Bottle gourd. Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia)
• Scientific Names Mentioned:
  • Cucurbita
  • Lagenaria
  • Lagenaria siceraria
  • Crescentia
  • Amphitecna
  • Luffa acutangula
  • Cucurbita pepo
  • Momordica charantia
• Synonyms for Bitter Gourd: African cucumber, alligator pear, balsam pear, bitter cucumber, bitter melon

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Many gourd species are vines with coiled, climbing tendrils.
• They produce fruits with hard rinds.
• At maturity, Lagenaria gourds transition from bright green to pale green and eventually to tan. The stem becomes more rigid and dry.

Historical and Traditional Uses

• Hardshell gourds have been used for centuries as food and beverage containers and as art pieces.
• The dried shells of gourds, particularly Lagenaria siceraria, have been used to make bottles and dippers.
• In China, the calabash (bottle gourd) has been used as food, medicine, and its shell as a bottle or musical instrument.
• Gourds have been used to make water canteens.
• Yerba mate has been sipped from a gourd for centuries.

Cultivation

• Growing gourds is similar to growing squash and pumpkins.

Quirky Facts

• Gourds are sometimes referred to as "nature's pottery" due to their versatility.
• The "Drinking Gourd" song was supposedly used by the Underground Railroad.

Organizations and Resources

• American Gourd Society
• Texas Gourd Society
• Idaho Gourd Society
• Florida Gourd Society, Inc.
• California Gourd Society
• Washington State Gourd Society
• Harris Seeds