''Cucurbita pedatifolia'' is a

xerophyte A xerophyte () is a species of plant that has adaptations to survive in an environment with little liquid water. Examples of xerophytes include cacti, pineapple and some gymnosperm plants. The morphology and physiology of xerophytes are adapted to ...

plant species of the genus ''

Cucurbita is a genus of herbaceous fruits in the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae (also known as ''cucurbits'' or ''cucurbi''), native to the Andes and Mesoamerica. Five edible species are grown and consumed for their flesh and seeds. They are variously know ...

''. It is native to

Querétaro Querétaro, officially the Free and Sovereign State of Querétaro, is one of the Political divisions of Mexico, 32 federal entities of Mexico. It is divided into Municipalities of Querétaro, 18 municipalities. Its capital city is Querétaro Cit ...

Mexico Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, is a country in North America. It is the northernmost country in Latin America, and borders the United States to the north, and Guatemala and Belize to the southeast; while having maritime boundar ...

. It has not been

domesticated Domestication is a multi-generational mutualistic relationship in which an animal species, such as humans or leafcutter ants, takes over control and care of another species, such as sheep or fungi, to obtain from them a steady supply of reso ...

. While ''C. pedatifolia'' has been cross bred, results have met with limited success. It does not cross well with other species of ''Cucurbita''. It is a close relative of '' Cucurbita radicans''. Geographic location and genetics make it highly likely that '' Cucurbita scabridifolia'' is a naturally occurring hybrid of ''

Cucurbita foetidissima is a genus of herbaceous fruits in the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae (also known as ''cucurbits'' or ''cucurbi''), native to the Andes and Mesoamerica. Five edible species are grown and consumed for their flesh and seeds. They are variously ...

'' and ''C. pedatifolia''. It also has some mesophyte traits may represent a transitional state between the mesophytic ''Cucurbita'' and the xerophytic ''Cucurbita''. The species was formally described by

Liberty Hyde Bailey Liberty Hyde Bailey (March 15, 1858 – December 25, 1954) was an American Horticulture, horticulturist and reformer of rural life. He was cofounder of the American Society for Horticultural Science.Makers of American Botany, Harry Baker Humphrey ...

in 1943, in ''Gentes Herbarum''. ''Cucurbita moorei'' was at one time described as a separate species native to the vicinity of Ixmiquilpan,

within ''Cucurbita'', but now is considered a synonym for ''C. pedatifolia''. ''Cucurbita pedatifolia'' was first formally described by

in 1948, in ''Gentes Herbarum''.

References

External links

* pedatifolia Squashes and pumpkins Flora of Mexico Plants described in 1943 Taxa named by Liberty Hyde Bailey {{Cucurbitales-stub