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fingerleaf gourd

Scientific Name: Cucurbita digitata

Family: Cucurbitaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Vine, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Cucurbita digitata: Fingerleaf Gourd

Cucurbita digitata, belonging to the squash family (Cucurbitaceae), is known by the common names fingerleaf gourd and bitter squash.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is a vine that may ascend into trees or shrubs, or trail along the ground with branched tendrils.
  • The flowers produce a striped green fruit about the size of a tennis ball.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant is a vine that may ascend into trees or shrubs, or trail along the ground with branched tendrils.
  • The flowers produce a striped green fruit about the size of a tennis ball.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cucurbita digitata
  • Common Names: Fingerleaf gourd, bitter squash, coyote gourd, coyote melon, calabachilla, chichi coyota.

Distribution and Habitat

Finger-leaf gourds grow along the ground and even up into bushes.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Vine: Herbaceous vine with branched tendrils for support.
  • Leaves: Alternate, simple leaves with 5-7 lanceolate lobes, reaching up to 10 inches in length including the stem. Leaves are usually present.
  • Flowers: Yellow, star-shaped flowers are produced from approximately June to September.
  • Fruit: Produces a striped green fruit about the size of a tennis ball. Described as large, slightly oval, like a very large egg with 8-10 fingers jutting out.

Further Information

  • Dave's Garden community shares tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.