Lagenaria

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At-A-Glance Information

This small genus is indigenous to tropical areas on the African continent, and produce gourd-bearing, vining herbaceous plants. When harvested young, fruits can be cooked and used as vegetables, but they are more commonly harvested when mature and then dried. They are typically used to make utensils, musical instruments, containers, and other vessels.

Lagenaria Species and Varietals

The genus Lagenaria is a member of the plant family Cucurbitaceae, and includes just six species, only one of which is commonly cultivated (Lagenaria siceraria) To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Lagenaria siceraria (Calabash, Bottle Gourd, White-Flowered Gourd, Long Melon, Birdhouse Gourd, New Guinea Bean, New Guinea Butter Bean, Tasmania Bean, Opo Squash)
This species is cultivated for its fruits, which are harvested young (consumed as a vegetable) or when they are mature (for extra-culinary uses). Fresh fruits have light green skin and white flesh. Flowers bloom at night, and are white. 

Caring for Cyclanthera


Harvesting Caigua and Exploding Cucumber

Propagation

Bixia orellana seed pods are bright red.
When seeds are mature, seed pods will open.

Problems and Pests

?? plants are typically pest and disease free. For more information on common garden problems, including how to correct them, see the following links.
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Gallery

The blooming season of this plant (February–March) is celebrated with the Mustard Festival, a series of festivities in the wine country of California (Napa and Sonoma Counties).[13]

Videos

All about Lipstick Trees.
How to care for a Lipstick Tree in the garden.

Resources

Wikipedia: Lagenaria
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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