Buffalo Gourd, Missouri gourd

Cucurbita foetidissima

Physical Characteristics

Cucurbita foetidissima is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 6 m (19ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. 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. It is noted for attracting wildlife. 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 dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

South-western N. America.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Fruit Oil Root Seed Edible Uses: Oil Fruit - cooked[105]. Used as a vegetable, it can also be dried for later use[161, 183]. The young fruit is used, it is bitter and becomes more bitter as it gets older[183]. One report says that the fruit contains up to 23% protein[213], though this would be very unusual in a fruit[K]. The fruit is up to 7cm in diameter[200]. Seed - raw or cooked[46, 61, 86, 92, 94]. The seeds can be ground into a powder and used as a thickening in soups or can be mixed with cereal flours when making cakes and biscuits[183, 257]. Rich in oil with a very pleasant nutty flavour, but very fiddly to use because the seed is small and covered with a fibrous coat[K]. The seed contains 30 - 35% protein and 34% oil[183]. An edible oil is obtained from the seed[183]. Root - the source of a starch that is used as a sweetener, stabilizer or for making puddings like tapioca[183]. Some caution is advised, see notes on toxicity[207]. The flowers are said to be edible after preparation[183] but no more details are given.

Medicinal Uses

Laxative Poultice Vermifuge Buffalo gourd was employed medicinally by many native North American tribes who used it particularly in the treatment of skin complaints[257]. It is still employed in modern herbalism as a safe and effective vermicide[238]. The leaves, stems and roots are laxative and poultice[46, 61, 92, 94]. The root is used mainly, but some caution is advised because of a report that it can be poisonous[207]. A poultice of the mashed plant has been used to treat skin sores, ulcers etc[257]. 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]. There is a report that the root is poisonous[207].