Okeechobee gourd facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Okeechobee gourd |
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| C. okeechobeensis subsp. okeechobeensis | |
| Conservation status | |
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Cucurbita
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| Species: |
okeechobeensis
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The Cucurbita okeechobeensis, also known as the Okeechobee gourd, is a type of gourd. It belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes pumpkins and squashes. This special plant grows naturally in parts of Mexico and the United States.
There are two main types, or subspecies, of the Okeechobee gourd. One type is found only in Florida, mostly around Lake Okeechobee. The other type lives in the state of Veracruz in eastern Mexico. This gourd used to be very common. However, it is now listed as an endangered species by both state and federal governments.
One cool thing about this gourd is its bright yellow flowers. This yellow color is not very common in other types of Cucurbita plants.
Contents
What is the Okeechobee Gourd?
The Okeechobee gourd is a climbing plant, like a vine. Its leaves are shaped a bit like a heart or a kidney. They have wavy edges with 5 to 7 shallow, pointed parts. When the leaves are young, they feel soft because they are covered with tiny hairs.
Flowers of the Gourd
The flowers of the Okeechobee gourd look like bells. They are a creamy white color. These flowers are quite long, usually about 6 to 7 centimeters (about 2.5 to 3 inches).
Where Does the Okeechobee Gourd Live?
This gourd often grows in special places. It was commonly found on old alligator nests. These nests were usually in groves of pond apple trees (Annona glabra). These areas were often close to Lake Okeechobee in Florida.
How Scientists Classify This Gourd
Scientists group living things into categories. This is called taxonomy. The exact way the Okeechobee gourd and its different types are classified can be a bit tricky. It was once known by a different name, Pepo okeechobeensis.
Different Types of Okeechobee Gourd
Some experts divide the Okeechobee gourd into two main subspecies:
- Cucurbita okeechobeensis subsp. martinezii — This type is called the Martinez gourd. It is found in the state of Veracruz in Mexico.
- Cucurbita okeechobeensis subsp. okeechobeensis — This is the Okeechobee gourd. It grows in the state of Florida in the United States.
Images for kids
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Male flower at anthesis
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Female flower at anthesis
