Okeechobee gourd | |
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C. okeechobeensis subsp. okeechobeensis | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Cucurbitales |
Family: | Cucurbitaceae |
Genus: | Cucurbita |
Species: | C. okeechobeensis |
Binomial name | |
Cucurbita okeechobeensis | |
Synonyms [2] | |
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Cucurbita okeechobeensis, the Okeechobee gourd, is a species of gourd belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae, native to Mexico and the United States. There are two subspecies; one is endemic to Florida, primarily in the region around Lake Okeechobee, the other to the State of Veracruz in eastern Mexico. [3] [4] Once abundant, [3] it has state and federal listing as an endangered species. [5] One of its peculiarities is the yellow corolla not so common in other Cucurbita species.
A climbing vine, C. okeechobeensis leaves have irregular serrate margins with 5 to 7 angular, shallow lobes. Overall the leaf blades are heart or kidney-shaped. Young leaves are covered with downy hair. The bell-shaped flowers are cream-colored, with long corollas (6 to 7 cm).
The taxonomy of the species and subspecies is uncertain. It was formerly classified as Pepo okeechobeensis. [6]
Some authorities divide it into two subspecies: [7] [8]
It was often found growing on abandoned alligator nests in pond apple ( Annona glabra ) groves near Lake Okeechobee.