Cucurbitaceae – Gourd Family

Question 1

What are some common characteristics of the Cucurbitaceae family?

Answer 1

Leaves: palmately-veined leaves, alternately arranged along 5-angle hairy stems. sometimes broad and palmately lobed. many have a single tendril growing from the base of each leaf, and it’s tip will coil around any nearby object for support.
Flowers: unisexual (either male or female) on either the same or separate plants. Petals are either yellow or white, often large, and united at the base. Females have an inferior ovary.
Fruit: Actually berries! (fleshy fruits without a stony or woody layer and containing many seeds) They often have a firm wall (e.g., watermelon or pumpkins) but can be dry and leathery (i.e., luffa plant)

Question 2

What are some common plants from the Cucurbitaceae family?

Answer 2

Cucumber, Zucchini, Butternut Squash, Pumpkin

Question 3

What is the scientific name for Cucumber?

Answer 3

Cucumis sativus

Question 4

What is the scientific name for Zucchini?

Answer 4

Cucurbita pepo

Question 5

What is the scientific name for Butternut Squash?

Answer 5

Cucurbita moschata

Question 6

What is the scientific name for Pumpkin?

Answer 6

Cucurbita pepo