Cucurbitaceae
Cucurbitaceae Juss. comprises approximately 95–100 genera and 950–1,000 species, distributed mainly in tropical and subtropical regions, with several representatives extending into temperate climates. Molecular phylogenetic studies have substantially improved the circumscription of major tribes and genera, confirming the monophyly of the family. Cucurbitaceae is readily recognized by its climbing habit, tendrils, unisexual flowers, inferior ovary, and characteristic fleshy fruits known as pepos.
Key characteristics
- Annual or perennial climbing or trailing herbs
- Axillary, spirally coiled tendrils
- Leaves alternate, palmately veined, often lobed
- Flowers unisexual; plants monoecious or dioecious
- Inferior ovary with parietal placentation
- Fruit a pepo
- Seeds numerous and flattened
Distribution
Cucurbitaceae has a nearly worldwide distribution, with its greatest diversity in tropical Africa, South and Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and the Mediterranean region. Members inhabit forests, grasslands, riverbanks, agricultural lands, scrublands, deserts, and disturbed habitats. Many species thrive in warm climates with seasonal rainfall. The family is widely distributed throughout the Upper and Plains, Lower Indus Plain, Potohar Plateau, Salt Range, Himalayan foothills, western dry mountains, riverine forests, wetlands, and the Cholistan, Thal, and Thar deserts. Wild species occur in wastelands, sandy plains, cultivated fields, and forest margins, while numerous cultivated species are grown throughout the country as important vegetable and fruit crops.