Cucurbitaceae
Cucurbitaceae
Cucurbitaceae (pronounced: kew-ker-bi-TAY-see-ee), also known as the gourd family, is a plant family consisting of about 965 species in around 95 genera, the most widespread and economically important of which are Cucurbita and Cucumis. The etymology of the term 'Cucurbitaceae' is derived from the Latin 'cucurbita', meaning gourd.
Description
Members of the Cucurbitaceae are generally herbaceous plants, and are characterized by their unique fruit structures and distinctive flowers. They are predominantly tropical and subtropical in distribution, with a few species extending into temperate regions.
Genera
The Cucurbitaceae family includes several important genera, such as:
- Cucumis: This genus includes species like the cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and the melon (Cucumis melo).
- Cucurbita: This genus includes species like the pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) and the squash (Cucurbita maxima).
Economic Importance
Cucurbitaceae is of great economic importance, providing a variety of fruits, vegetables, and gourds used for human consumption and livestock feed. Some species are also used in traditional medicine.
Related Terms
- Angiosperms: The group of plants to which the Cucurbitaceae belong.
- Dicotyledon: The group of flowering plants (angiosperms) that includes the Cucurbitaceae.
- Cucurbitacin: A toxic compound found in many Cucurbitaceae species.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cucurbitaceae
- Wikipedia's article - Cucurbitaceae
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