Cucurbita argyrosperma – Native Plant Search

Native Range

A native plant refers to a species of plant that has naturally evolved and grown in a particular geographic area without any human intervention or introduction. These plants have adapted to the local climate, soil, and ecological conditions over an extended period of time, often thousands of years. Because of this co-evolution with their specific environment, native plants have developed characteristics that make them well-suited to the local ecosystem and provide essential resources for local wildlife.

Native plants play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of an area. They provide food and habitat for native wildlife, support pollinators like bees and butterflies, and contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem. Additionally, native plants often require fewer resources like water and fertilizers compared to non-native or exotic plants that may not be well-suited to the local environment.

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Native Continent

Northern America, Southern America

Northern America

Mexico, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tamaulipas, Chiapas, Colima, Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacán de Ocampo, Nayarit, Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave,

Southern America

Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador,

Natural Habitat

Edible Uses

Fruit - cooked. 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. The flesh can be dried, ground into a powder and mixed with cereals for making bread, cakes etc. The fruit is up to 20cm in diameter. Seed - raw, roasted or dried, ground into a powder and mixed with cereals when making bread etc. The seed is rich in oil and has a pleasant nutty flavour. Although relatively large, they are very fiddly to use because they are covered with a fibrous coat. An edible oil is obtained from the seed. Leaves - cooked. Flowers - cooked.