Cucurbitaceae

Cucurbitaceae, the gourd family, is a plant family in the order Cucurbitales. It comprises about 95 genera and around 825 species. Members are predominantly vines or creeping herbaceous plants with trailing or climbing habit, often bearing tendrils. Leaves are usually large, palmately lobed, with simple margins. Flowers are typically unisexual; most species are monoecious with separate male and female flowers on the same plant, pollinated mainly by bees; some are dioecious or have perfect flowers.

Fruits are usually berries called pepos with a leathery rind; the flesh is often seeded. The family includes major crops and ornamentals: Cucumis sativus (cucumber), Cucumis melo (melon, including cantaloupe and honeydew), Citrullus lanatus (watermelon), Cucurbita pepo, C. moschata, C. maxima (squash, pumpkins, gourds), Lagenaria siceraria (bottle gourd). Other genera include Bryonia, Momordica, Trichosanthes, and Sicana.

Distribution and ecology: pantropical, native to the Americas and Africa; cultivated widely in warm temperate to tropical climates. The fruits are a significant food source in many regions and are used fresh, pickled, or processed; seeds and oil are also utilized.

Chemistry: many cucurbits contain cucurbitacins, bitter-tasting, toxic compounds in some species; most edible fruit varieties are cultivated to minimize bitterness.

Conservation and breeding: breeding programs focus on disease resistance, yield, shelf life, and fruit quality. Pests and diseases include cucumber beetles, aphids, powdery mildew, and bacterial wilt.