Cushaw Pumpkin

Cucurbita argyrosperma

Physical Characteristics

Cucurbita argyrosperma is a ANNUAL CLIMBER growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 3 m (9ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

C. America? Origin is uncertain.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Fruit Leaves Oil Seed Edible Uses: Oil Fruit - cooked[1, 177]. Used as a vegetable in pies etc, it can be stored for up to 6 months. Generally the fruit is fibrousy, watery and less richly flavoured than C. maxima., C. moschata. and C. pepo[183]. The flesh can be dried, ground into a powder and mixed with cereals for making bread, cakes etc[183]. The fruit is up to 20cm in diameter[200]. Seed - raw, roasted or dried, ground into a powder and mixed with cereals when making bread etc[183]. The seed is rich in oil and has a pleasant nutty flavour. Although relatively large[183], they are very fiddly to use because they are covered with a fibrous coat[K]. An edible oil is obtained from the seed[183]. Leaves - cooked[135]. Flowers - cooked[135, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Vermifuge The seeds are vermifuge[7, 88]. The complete seed, together with the husk, is used. This is ground into a fine flour, then made into an emulsion with water and eaten. It is then necessary to take a purgative afterwards in order to expel the tapeworms or other parasites from the body[7]. As a remedy for internal parasites, the seeds are less potent than the root of Dryopteris felix-mas, but they are safer for pregnant women, debilitated patients and children[238].

Known Hazards

The sprouting seed produces a toxic substance in its embryo[65].