Squash Plant

Cucurbita pepo is a diverse annual species encompassing pumpkins, zucchini, and various squashes. It typically grows as a prostrate vine with prickly stems and large, lobed, bristly leaves, though some cultivars exhibit a compact bush habit. The plant produces large, yellow-to-orange unisexual flowers followed by fleshy fruits known as pepos. It thrives in fertile, well-drained soil and requires full sun. Widely cultivated for its edible fruits and seeds, it is a cornerstone of temperate and tropical vegetable gardens.