Cucurbita melopepo

Cucurbita melopepo L. is a species within the genus Cucurbita, part of the gourd family Cucurbitaceae. It is found in a range that includes Alabama, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, and West Virginia, as well as northeastern Mexico. The species was formally published in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus. This plant is a climbing vine, typically bearing yellow or orange flowers and producing fruits that vary in shape and size depending on the subspecies or variety. The species is often cultivated for its edible fruits and has been historically significant in agricultural practices in its native range.