Buffalo gourd - Cucurbita foetidissima (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Edible)

Buffalo gourd

Also known as: Calabazilla, Coyote gourd, Prairie gourd, Stink gourd

Buffalo gourd (*Cucurbita foetidissima*) is a perennial plant that grows best in semiarid regions and deserts. It produces oil and may someday be commercially leveraged for biofuel production. The pumpkin portion of the gourd contains many carbohydrates.

Scientific classification

Species

Buffalo gourd (Cucurbita foetidissima)

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Weeds

Weed or not

2 m to 10 m

Plant Height

6 m

Spread

Green, Gray

Leaf Color

1 cm to 1.8 cm

Flower Size

Green, Yellow, White

Fruit Color

Yellow

Flower Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Buffalo gourd

Attributes of Buffalo gourd

Growth Rate

In spring and summer, buffalo gourd exhibits a rapid growth rate, with accelerated leaf production and vertical gain. This amplified growth can result in early flowering, even within the initial weeks of spring. However, growth may decelerate in other seasons, contributing to buffalo gourd's adaptability in various climatic conditions. This rapid growth pattern, particularly visible during summer, distinguishes buffalo gourd in its ecological niche.

Distribution of Buffalo gourd

Distribution Map

Buffalo gourd is a plant native to major regions of North America. Since its discovery, it has been introduced to parts of Europe, expanding its presence beyond its original range. However, the specifics of its distribution within these continents are intentionally omitted in this summary.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Hills, sandsage prairies, grasslands, mesquite scrub, pinyon-juniper, floodplain woods, vacant lots, roadsides, railroad banks

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

While not commonly cultivated, buffalo gourd is occasionally grown in vegetable and some flower gardens. It is used to provide garden interest in the spring and summer. The long, trailing vine produces large, bright-colored flowers in the spring that form uniquely shaped summer fruits. The fruits have a foul odor, but their interesting appearance makes them popular as ornamental gourds.

Symbolism

Protection

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Care Guide for Buffalo gourd

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Native to arid regions, buffalo gourd thrives with minimal moisture and high drought tolerance. It requires weekly watering, access water through deep roots during dry spells, and is well-suited for xeric landscapes, efficiently utilizing scarce rainfall in arid climate zones.

Fertilize: Buffalo gourd thrives with high-phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, benefiting from monthly applications during the growing season and reducing to every 6-8 weeks in winter. Young buffalo gourd require frequent feeding. Apply diluted fertilizer to moist soil to prevent burn risk and ensure proper uptake.

Pruning: Buffalo gourd is a hardy perennial with sprawling vines, well-suited for arid climates. Prune in early spring to eliminate dead growth, enhance air flow, and control spread, using clean tools. This practice not only safeguards health but also increases fruit yield and overall vigor.

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Images of Buffalo gourd

Attributes of Buffalo gourd

Distribution of Buffalo gourd

Culture

Care Guide for Buffalo gourd

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