There are many types of Squashes and Pumpkins, which all belong to four different species in the genus Cucurbita. Each of these species includes several varieties with very different fruits and a large variety of names. This page provides some basic information on pumpkins and squashes, with links to separate pages for each of the four Cucurbita species.
Many species in the genus Cucurbita produce edible fruits.
Names
Scientific
Cucurbita spp.
English
Calabash
Gourd
Marrow
Pumpkin
Squash
Dutch
Kalebas
Pompoen
Spanish
Ayote
Calabaza
French
Courge
German
Kürbis
Italian
Zucca
Taxonomy
Genus
Cucurbita
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Order
Cucurbitales
Species:
Several species in the genus Cucurbita produce fruits that are called
pumpkins, squashes or marrows. The most important species are:
Cucurbita pepo (Zucchini)
Cucurbita maxima (Buttercup squash)
Cucurbita mixta (Cushaw pumpkin)
Cucurbita moschata (Butternut squash)
For each species there is a separate page. Click on the name.