Plant family Cucurbitaceae - contains squashes, melons, and gourds.
The family Cucurbitaceae consist of various squashes, melons, and gourds. They can be found in both the New and Old Worlds; and continue to be popular vegetable crops in modern gardens.
This is quite a large family with approximately 125 genera and 960 species. Flowers are usually white or yellow, and often large. Stems are hairy and pentagular. They usually grow as vines so they often have tendrils 90degrees to the leaf petioles at nodes. flowers are unisexual with male and female flowers either on different plants, or the same plant. The fruit is a form of modified vegetable, but when eaten is considered a vegetable by gardeners and cooks.
All species are sensitive to frost, and are hence usually grown as annuals in temperate zones.
Use this tag for general questions about growing cucurbits. Use the specific plant tags for questions about specific plants such as melons and squashes.
