Kamokamo facts for kids

Kamokamo (also known as kumikumi) is a variety of Cucurbita pepo grown in New Zealand that is thought to have been introduced during early European settlement, around the late 1800s to early 1900s. The name comes from the Māori language.

Kamokamo has similarities to Mexican forms of C. pepo. The fruit is heavily ribbed and stocky with a speckled green/white skin. Kamokamo has diversified within Aotearoa New Zealand.

Kamokamo was (and is) a staple food source for Māori people of Aotearoa New Zealand, and in the 19th century was spread by trade around New Zealand.

Kamokamo fruits are best eaten when immature. Mature fruit can make a storage vessel and traditionally used to hold the pulp of ripe tutu berries. Kamokamo fruit has a similar shape to some forms of C. pepo and is classified as this species in the New Zealand Plant Name Database.

Plantings must be guarded carefully to ensure it is not affected by cross-pollination to keep producing desired shapes.