Cucurbita foetidissima aka Buffalo Gourd
Taxonomy ID: 4870
Cucurbita foetidissima, also known as buffalo gourd, calabazilla, chilicote, coyote gourd, fetid gourd, Missouri gourd, stinking gourd, wild gourd, or wild pumpkin, is a xerophytic plant that is native to the central and southwestern United States and northern Mexico. This member of the cucumber family has evolved to thrive in semiarid regions and is well-adapted to desert environments due to its massive underground tuber. The fruit of the buffalo gourd can be consumed by both humans and animals. When young, the fruit can be cooked like a squash, but as it matures, it becomes too bitter for human consumption and is used for decorative purposes or in making musical instruments. The seeds of the buffalo gourd are the source of buffalo gourd oil, and the plant has been proposed as a potential source of biofuel ethanol due to its ability to grow fast with little water and high amounts of carbohydrates in the tap root. The plant is rare as a houseplant and requires regular watering and well-draining soil with a gentle, organic fertilizer during the peak growing season. The name foetidissima means ill-smelling in Latin, and the plant is closely related to Cucurbita scabridifolia, which is believed to have originated as a naturally occurring hybrid of C. foetidissima and Cucurbita pedatifolia.
Common names
Buffalo Gourd, Prairie Gourd, Missouri GourdMore information about Buffalo Gourd
How difficult is it to take care of Buffalo Gourd
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Buffalo Gourd is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
What is the growth pattern and size of Buffalo Gourd?
New growth will sprout from the top of the Buffalo Gourd as it grows vertically.
What is the region of origin of Buffalo Gourd
Buffalo Gourd’s native range is South-western N. America.
What are the water needs for Buffalo Gourd
Buffalo Gourd should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Buffalo Gourd
Buffalo Gourd loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Buffalo Gourd
To ensure optimal growth, the Buffalo Gourd prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Is Buffalo Gourd toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
What seasonal care does Buffalo Gourd need?
During the cold period, it is common for Buffalo Gourd to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
More info:
Wikipedia