3-30 Cucurbitaceae, pumpkin family

Marian C. Munro; Ruth E. Newell; Nicholas M. Hill

Authors

Marian C. Munro Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS
Ruth E. Newell E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Nicholas M. Hill Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Keywords:

Magnoliophyte, pumpkin family, dicots, Echinocystis, cucumber, vine

Abstract

Represented in Nova Scotia only in gardens except for Echinocystis, this family of about 700 species includes our vegetable and fruit crops of pumpkins, squashes, cucumbers and melons. The 90 genera comprising it are mostly of subtropical or tropical regions.

Wild Cumber reaches NS, the only species to have ranged northward. It is a trailing herbaceous vine, clamouring by coiling tendrils. Simple leaves are lobed and coarsely pubescent. Flowers are unisexual, greenish yellow. The calyx is typically five-merous, the five stamens attached to a hypanthium. Fruit is a pepo or berry. The oily seeds are compressed. Photographs supplied by Martin Thomas and Marian Munro.

Author Biographies

Marian C. Munro, Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS

Curator of Botany (NSPM)

Ruth E. Newell, E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Curator of the E. C. Smith Herbarium (ACAD)

Nicholas M. Hill, Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Director; Adjunct Professor