| Cucurbita mixta | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Cucurbitales |
| Family: | Cucurbitaceae |
| Genus: | Cucurbita |
| Species: | C. mixta |
| Binomial name | |
| Cucurbita mixta Pangalo |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Cucurbita argyrosperma |
|
Cucurbita mixta aka pipian is a species of squash, sometimes known as the cushaw pumpkin. C. mixta is one of the common varieties of pumpkin cultivated in the United States. The plant's adaptation to warm climates and resistance to squash borers make it very competitive in the agricultural industry. It is used, especially in the southern states of the US, for use in pies and actually preferred over other pumpkins. It is also grown in the desert southwest by native peoples, especially the Tohono O'odham, where it is especially prized when immature as a summer squash.
C. mixta also has medicinal properties. A liquid emulsion of its seed can act as a vermifuge, and the subsequent use of a laxative can effect an expulsion of parasitic worms.[1]