Narrative

Gourd Family (Cucurbitaceae) contains about 850 species primarily of the tropics. The members of this family are climbing or sprawling herbaceous vines, typically with tendrils. The petioled leaves are alternate.

As of 1994, there were about 73 species in 28 genera either native to or established in greater North America, including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Hawaii, and Greenland. The orange pumpkin associated with Halloween jack-o-lanterns is one of the most familiar members of this family. The correct scientific naming of the many domesticated forms of gourds, squash, and melons is open to dispute.

Taxonomy

References