Fruit and seed development inCucurbita foetidissima

Cucurbita foetidissimaHBK., a wild perennial xerophytic species indigenous to semi-arid lands of North America is reproduced primarily vegetatively, but is a prolific producer of fruit and seed. The seed contains an acceptable edible oil. Fruit development reaches its maximum weight 10 days after pollination, but seed development continues until 32 to 34 days after pollination. Physiological development of the seed as measured by germination is not coincidental with physical development.