Cucurbita maxima, one of at least five species of cultivated squash, is one of the most diverse domesticated species.[2] This species originated in South America from the wild subspecies Cucurbita maxima subsp. andreana over 4,000 years ago.[3] Cucurbita maxima, known for modern varieties as Hubbard, Delicious, Marblehead, Boston Marrow, and Turks Turban, originated in northern Argentina near the Andes or in certain Andean valleys.[4] Secondary centers of diversity include India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and the southern Appalachians.
Different squash types of this species were introduced into North America as early as the 16th century. By the American Revolution, the species was in cultivation by Native American tribes throughout the present-day United States. By the early 19th century, at least three varieties are known to have been commercially introduced in North America from seeds obtained from Native Americans.[5]
At one time considered a separate species, andreana has been placed by modern biosystematics as a subspecies of C. maxima. It is native to Argentina and Uruguay and is the ancestor of the domesticated forms. C. andreana fruits are smaller and not palatable.[5][3] It hybridizes readily with individuals of other C. maxima subspecies.
C. maxima subsp. andreana has notably different calcium levels than individuals of other C. maxima subspecies.[7] C. andreana has yellow flowers and bright green striped fruit. Extrafloral nectaries are present in C. maxima but not necessarily in C. andreana.[8]
It was first formally described by Charles Victor Naudin in 1896, in Revue Horticole.[9]
Buttercup squash, a common cultivar, can be roasted, baked, and mashed into soups, among a variety of filler uses, much like pumpkin. It is extremely popular, especially as a soup, in Brazil, Colombia, and Africa.
All giant pumpkins (over 100 pounds or 45 kilograms) are of this species, including the largest pumpkins ever documented, which have attained a size of 2,624.6 pounds (1,190.5 kg) as of 2020.[22]
The seed of C. maxima is used in treating parasites in animals.[23]
Since this plant requires a fair amount of hot weather for best growth, it has not become very well established in northern Europe, the British Isles, or in similar areas with short or cool summers.[4]
The ideal soil pH range for cultivation ranges from 6.0 to 6.8.
Recommended spacing can vary depending on the specific variety, but generally, plants are spaced around 3-5 feet apart in rows that are approximately 6-10 feet apart. Planting depth of around 1-2 inches.
Fertilization should be carried out based on soil test results and specific crop nutrient requirements.[24]
Many cultivars of Cucurbita maxima have been developed. Only long-vining plants are known in this species.[4] As in C. pepo, plants exist with a "bush habit" that is particularly evident in young plants, but older plants grow in the wild-type vining manner.[25]
Typical "Zapallito" summer squash fruit.
A vining cultivar growing up to a roof.
Plant
{{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help); External link in |last={{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help); External link in |last=Cucurbita maxima, one of at least five species of cultivated squash, is one of the most diverse domesticated species. This species originated in South America from the wild subspecies Cucurbita maxima subsp. andreana over 4,000 years ago. Cucurbita maxima, known for modern varieties as Hubbard, Delicious, Marblehead, Boston Marrow, and Turks Turban, originated in northern Argentina near the Andes or in certain Andean valleys. Secondary centers of diversity include India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and the southern Appalachians.
Different squash types of this species were introduced into North America as early as the 16th century. By the American Revolution, the species was in cultivation by Native American tribes throughout the present-day United States. By the early 19th century, at least three varieties are known to have been commercially introduced in North America from seeds obtained from Native Americans.
