Cucurbitaceae
Telfairia occidentalis
Cucurbita digitata
Citrullus colocynthus
Acanthosicyos horridus
Cucurbita ficifolia
Cucurbita foetidissima
Hardy perennial squash, very drought tolerant. Native to prairie, Rockies, southwest, down through Mexico. Seeds edible, high in protein and oil. Up to 3 tons per hectare yield. Enormous roots also processed for starch. Fruit and leaves not edible.
Has overwintered for us in Massachusetts but never set fruit - season too short? Wants excellent drainage, tolerates extremes of cold and heat.
Photo taken at Denver Botanic Garden.