Buffalo Gourd
Missouri Gourd
Cucurbita foetidissima
This vine of Buffalo Gourd was found growing along a sandy bank above Oak Creek near Page Springs, Yavapai Co., Arizona, USA. 21 August 2011. Fruit from same location below.
LEAVES: Large, gray-green leaves are triangular and folded slightly
along the midrib.
RANGE: In Arizona's sycamore woodlands this vine grows up on sunny,
sandy, alluvial banks where the soil is deep and some water is available.
VINE: Annual vine growing mostly along the ground sometimes spreading
out five meters or more from the growing point. Strong tendrils secure the vine
to attachments.
FLOWERS: Tubular yellow flowers are unisexual, i.e. separate male and
female.
FRUIT: Spherical gourd marked longitudinally with green, white and
yellow. Like the leaves have a strong, unpleasant odor.
UNARMED