Pumpkins and Squashes

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.

Buttercup Squash
Several crops are known as Pumpkins and Squashes

For example the Buttercup squash
– Photo by Brookford Farm

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.

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