Arizona Wild Flowers
Wildflower Pictures And Photos

Buffalo Gourd, Cucurbita foetidissima

Buffalo Gourd, Cucurbita foetidissima; Wilhoit, Arizona. July 24, 2008 Eighteen Foot Spread On This Plant.
Buffalo Gourd, Cucurbita foetidissima Wilhoit, Arizona. July 24, 2008, Male Flower.
Buffalo Gourd, Cucurbita foetidissima Wilhoit, Arizona. July 24, 2008. Female Flower.
Buffalo Gourd, Cucurbita foetidissima Wilhoit, Arizona. July 24, 2008. Gourd.

Buffalo Gourd, Xeriscape Plant Yarnell, Arizona. July 24, 2008.	Buffalo Gourds & Flower
Buffalo Gourd, Flower	Buffalo Gourd, Seeds

Buffalo Gourd Cucurbita foetidissima, Gourd Family: ( Cucurbitaceae ), Buffalo Gourd. Also called: Wild Pumpkin, Wild Gourd, Missouri Gourd, Fetid, Fetid Gourd, Coyote Gourel, Chilicote, Calabazilla. Buffalo gourd and is native to the southwest, it’s often recognized by its sour odor and bitter tasting gourds. Despite its odor, various Native American and Mexican tribes have used buffalo gourd for at least ten thousand years. It has been used traditionally in various ways as a food, cosmetic, detergent, insecticide, and as a ritualistic rattle. The root can descend 4 to 6 feet deep and weigh more than 100 pounds. A root weighing 178 pounds has been recorded! Coarse, trailing perennial vine normally to 18 foot in spread. This is a night blooming plant and it does stay open until mid morning. Great Xeriscape Plant! Height: About 3 - 6 feet spread. Under moist monsoon rain conditions the vine can grow to 18 foot in spread. Flowers: Yellow 4 inches in diameter colored flowers that are funnel-shaped, with 5 petal lobes. Blooming Time: July to September. Fruit: The fruit is a 3-4 inch round gourd with yellow and green stripes. Leaves: Rough textured triangular leaves that are longer than they are broad. Found: Found throughout Arizona. Elevation: 1000 - 6500 Feet. Habitat: Roadsides and in disturbed soils. Miscellaneous: Photos Taken: Wilhoit, Arizona. July 24, 2008. Early Morning, About 7:00 AM to get flower photos.