Pumpkin - Cucurbita maxima

Common Name :	Pumpkin.
Binomial Name :	Cucurbita maxima
Family :	Cucurbitaceae
Bangla Name :	Mishti kumra (মিষ্টি কুমড়া)
Photo Taken :	Bangladesh

Botanical Identity

Cucurbita maxima, commonly known as pumpkin, squash, or winter squash, is a widely cultivated vegetable known for its large, nutritious fruits and versatile uses. It belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is native to South America, particularly the Andean region of modern-day Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. This species has been domesticated for thousands of years and is now grown worldwide. The name "maxima" reflects the plant's capacity to produce some of the largest fruits in the plant kingdom, with some pumpkins weighing hundreds of kilograms. In Bangladesh this is known as Mishti Kumra (মিষ্টি কুমড়া).

Flowers and Fruit Characteristics

The plant produces large, yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers — male and female flowers appear on the same plant (monoecious). These flowers are pollinated primarily by bees and other insects. The fruits of Cucurbita maxima vary greatly in size, shape, and color but are typically round to oblong with a thick rind and soft, sweet orange flesh. The seeds are flat, oval, and edible. The fruits mature slowly and can be stored for months, making them ideal for use during the winter, hence the term "winter squash."

Plant Description

Cucurbita maxima is a sprawling, annual vine that grows vigorously under warm, sunny conditions. It has large, broad, heart-shaped leaves covered in rough hairs and long tendrils that help the plant climb or spread across the ground. The stems are thick and hollow, and the plant requires ample space to grow. It thrives in rich, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. This fast-growing species is a favorite in home gardens and farms due to its high yield and relatively low maintenance requirements.

Uses and Nutritional Benefits

The fruit of Cucurbita maxima is widely used in culinary dishes — roasted, pureed, steamed, or made into soups, curries, pies, and sweets. Its seeds can be roasted and eaten as snacks or used to extract oil. Nutritionally, the fruit is rich in beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), fiber, and antioxidants, making it beneficial for vision, immunity, and digestion. In traditional medicine, pumpkin pulp and seeds are used to treat intestinal worms and inflammation. Additionally, its ornamental varieties are popular during harvest festivals like Halloween and Thanksgiving.


Photos of this Pumpkin plants (Cucurbita maxima) were taken during January 2015. It was from Jhalakathi, Bangladesh. In Bangladesh we call this Mishti kumra (মিষ্টি কুমড়া).


Written by Lonely Traveler,
For blog icflora.blogspot.com