6l4 BOTANY OF CROl" PLANTS 



CUCURBITA MAXIMA 



Description. — This is an annual plant with long, running, 

 cylindrical, somewhat prickly (not spiny) and hairy steins. 

 The leaves are large, not lobed, except on young shoots. The 

 peduncles are smooth, i.e., not ridged. The calyx tube is 

 not ribbed. The corolla tube is of equal diameter through- 

 out, the lobes curved outward. The fruit varies in shape 

 and size, but unlike representatives of the preceding species, 

 it never has a light color or a crookneck or bears warty ex- 

 crescences; the peduncle is not much enlarged next to the 

 fruit. 



It is quite agreed that this species is of American origin. 



Type and Varieties. — Representatives of the species C. 

 maxima are late maturing, as a rule, and hence are quite 

 generally known as "winter squashes." The principal types 

 are as follows : 



1. Turban Squashes. — The fruit has the appearance of a 

 turban or "Turk's-cap." This is due to the failure of the 

 fleshy receptacle to completely cover over the ovary, and 

 hence the latter protrudes, forming a fruit the character of 

 which suggests the expression "squash within squash." 



2. Hubbard Squashes. — These are the most popular 

 squashes in the Northern States. They are broadly pear- 

 shaped, or olive-shaped with very thick, hard, dark green 

 skin and dark yellow, floury flesh. There are varieties of 

 the Hubbard (Red or Golden Hubbard) with orange-red skin. 



3. Marblehead Squashes. — These have a gray skin. Other- 

 wise they resemble the Hubbard. squashes. 



4. Marrow Squashes. — There are a number of varieties of 

 these, only a few of which are very well known. Most of 

 them have a smooth skin and a very floury flesh. The 

 Boston Marrow, a variety with orange-colored skin and flesh, 

 is the best known in the United States. 



