Buffalo gourd
Cucurbita foetidissima Kunth
Cucurbita foetidissima, known as buffalo gourd, is a tuberous xerophytic plant native to the central and southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It was first described by Kunth in 1817, with the type specimen collected from Mexico by Alexander von Humboldt and Aimé Bonpland. The species name foetidissima refers to its strong, unpleasant odor.
Description
Cucurbita foetidissima belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is commonly referred to as buffalo gourd. It is a xerophytic plant adapted to arid environments and is found in regions such as Arizona, California, Texas, and parts of Mexico. The species is characterized by its tuberous roots and is known for its strong, unpleasant smell, as indicated by the species name foetidissima. It has been documented in several countries, including Austria, Germany, and various U.S. states.
Other common names
Buffalo gourdMissouri gourdprairie gourd
Distribution
Austria · Global · TW · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Florida · Germany · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Mexico Central · Mexico Northeast · Mexico Northwest · Mexico Southwest · Michigan · Missouri · Nebraska · Nevada · New Mexico · Ohio · Oklahoma · Texas · Utah · Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming
Synonyms
Cucumis foetidissimusCucumis perennisCucurbita perennisOzodycus perennisCucurbita foetidissima var. foetidissimaPepo foetidissima
