Squash Family Cucurbitaceae

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:YellowSquash.jpg http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=watermelon&FORM=BIFD#focal=a7b481c6581764d13ccf78d10fd0a3d3&furl=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm1.static.flickr.com%2F23%2F25210069_8fd8d8a312.jpg http://en.wikivisual.com/images/9/99/Pumpkins.jpg http://bees.tennessee.edu/images/pepSideLarge.jpg Squash Family Cucurbitaceae Fun Facts Living Conditions -Although within the culinary arts, squash is considered a vegetable, botanically speaking it is a fruit! -Summer squashes can be eaten immediately and require no cooking if undesired -Within the family, there are 735 species! -squash is known as a pepo by botanists, which is a special type of berry with a thick outer wall. -The term "summer" and "winter" are based not on actuality. "Summer" types are on the market all winter; and "winter" types are on the markets in the late summer and fall, as well as winter. -most members of the family thrive within tropical and subtropical conditions Pollination -Traditionally the squash family has been pollinated by the North American Squash Bee. http://www.ars.usda.gov/images/docs/6464_6648/cucurbita1.jpg http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01117/cheats_1117884c.jpg Characteristics -Weak sappy stems -Palmate leaves -Flowers are unisexual -5 petals -Fruits are berries, often large