Cucurbita maxima
Cucurbita maxima
Cucurbita maxima, commonly known as winter squash, pumpkin, or marrow, is a species of squash native to South America. It is one of the most widespread of the Cucurbita species, with varieties being grown worldwide for both food and ornamental use.
Pronunciation
Cucurbita maxima: /kjuːˈkɜːrbɪtə ˈmæksɪmə/
Etymology
The genus name Cucurbita comes from the Latin word for gourd. The species name maxima means "largest," referring to the size of the fruit.
Description
Cucurbita maxima is a vine-like, creeping plant that produces large, round or elongated fruits. The fruits can vary greatly in size, color, and shape, depending on the variety. The flesh is typically orange or yellow and is used in a variety of culinary applications, including soups, pies, and roasts.
Related Terms
- Cucurbita: The genus to which Cucurbita maxima belongs. Other species in this genus include Cucurbita pepo (summer squash, zucchini), Cucurbita moschata (butternut squash), and Cucurbita argyrosperma (cushaw squash).
- Squash (plant): The common name for plants in the genus Cucurbita. This term can refer to both summer and winter varieties of squash.
- Pumpkin: A common name for certain varieties of Cucurbita maxima that are typically round and orange.
- Marrow (vegetable): In British English, "marrow" can refer to a mature Cucurbita maxima fruit.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cucurbita maxima
- Wikipedia's article - Cucurbita maxima
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