Squash (Ornamental)

Cucurbita pepo var. ovifera

The ornamental squashes are varieties of the garden squash (Cucurbita pepo). They are mostly not edible because they contain cucurbitacins, which can cause severe poisoning.

Cucurbitacins are not destroyed by cooking. They can be identified by taste. If a squash tastes very bitter, it is better not to eat it.

Description

1. Popular name(s): Ornamental squash, ornamental gourd, ornamental pumpkin
2. Botanical name: Cucurbita pepo var. ovifera
3. Family: Cucurbitaceae
4. Origin: The wild type is supposed to be native to the USA and Mexico (source).
5. Edible: No, because they contain cucurbitacins they are poisonous.
6. Storage: Ornamental gourds do not need to be stored refrigerated, they remain viewable even in warm rooms for many weeks.
7. Season: Late summer to early winter.