6l2 



BOTANY OF CROP PLANTS 



Turban squashes, the receptacle does not extend over the 

 top of the ovary, while in most other sorts, it is entirely 

 closed at the top. The pericarp is fleshy. 



Fig. 250. — A, cross-section of squash (Cucurbita maxima) fruit stalk; B, 

 same of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo). 



Geographical. — The genus Cucurbita has about 10 species, natives of trop- 

 ical America, Asia, and Africa. 



Key to Important Species of Cucurbita 



Leaves lobed; stalks of fruit strongly ridged (Fig. 250, B). 



Calyx lobes narrow, peduncle not enlarged next to the fruit (Fig. 251, B) 



Fig. 251. 



-A, fruit stalk of Cucurbita maxima; B, of C. pepo; C, of C. mos- 

 chata. {After Bailey.) 



Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin, scallop, gourd). 

 Calyx lobes broad, peduncle much enlarged next to the fruit (Fig. 251, C), 

 C. moschata (Canada Crookneck and Cushaw). 

 Leaves not lobed; stalks of fruit not prominently ridged (Fig. 250, A), Cucur- 

 bita maxima (Marblehead, Turban, Hubbard squashes, etc.). 



