Malabar Gourd (Cucurbita ficifolia)

Family: Cucurbitaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Cucurbita ficifolia is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweeter with storage. — Best used when young, at that stage it can be used like a cucumber.; The mature fruits are sometimes boiled and eaten.; A confection is made from the flesh by boiling it with crude sugar.; The mature fruit can be stored for 2 years or more and becomes sweeter with storage.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known in the wild. (Zone 9)