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coyote gourd
Scientific Name: Cucurbita palmata
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Vine, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Cucurbita palmata: Coyote Melon and More
Cucurbita palmata is a fascinating flowering plant belonging to the squash family (Cucurbitaceae). Commonly known as coyote melon or coyote gd, this plant boasts a variety of other common names and intriguing characteristics.
Common and Scientific Names
- Scientific Name: Cucurbita palmata S. Watson
- Common Names: Coyote melon, coyote gd, buffalo gd, calabazilla, chilicote, fetid gd, fetid wild pumpkin, Missi gd, prairie gd, fingerleaf gd, coyote ear, palmate-leaved gd.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Cucurbitaceae (Squash Family)
Distribution and Habitat
Cucurbita palmata is native to the southwestern United States, including southeastern California, Nevada, and Arizona. It thrives in dry environments, growing along the edge of washes, over rocks, and shrubs, particularly during the desert's summer monsoon season. The plant can also be found along roadsides and in open fields.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Cucurbita palmata exhibits a vine-like growth habit similar to cucumbers and pumpkins, featuring large, palmate-shaped (hand-like) leaves.
- Stems are rough and stiff-haired.
- The plant spreads via vines and may climb using tendrils.
- It develops a large root system.
- The flowers are large and yellow, often cup-shaped.
Considerations for Pets
- Cucurbita palmata has rough, stiff-haired stems.
- It produces seeds.
- The plant grows as a vine, which may be tempting for pets to play with.
Considerations for Children
- Cucurbita palmata has rough, stiff-haired stems.
- It produces seeds.
- The plant grows as a vine, which may be tempting for children to play with.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Squash or gourd bees are effective pollinators of Cucurbita palmata.
- The fruit is eaten by wildlife such as coyotes and javelina.
Quirky Facts
- One theory on how it obtained the common name "coyote melon" is derived from commonly finding the seeds of this fruit in coyote scat in the wild.
- Legend says that this plant used to produce gds which tasted sweet.
Further Information
- Dave's Garden is mentioned as a friendly community that shares tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
- CalPhotos contains photos of Cucurbita palmata.
- ASU (Arizona State University) specimens are referenced.
- The Jepson Manual is listed as a reference.
- W. B. McDougal's "Seed Plants of Northern Arizona" is mentioned.