Cucurbita pepo (Pumpkin)

Native to North and Central America and western and southern South America, these herbaceous plants may be annual or perennial. Most trail or climb, although some cultivated forms have a compact, bushy habit. The leaves are usually lobed, and the bell-shaped flowers are generally yellow to orange. Separate male and female flowers grow on the same plant. Bees carry pollen between the flowers, helping cultivated squashes develop fruit. Fruit shape and size vary widely. Cultivated pumpkins are used for food and carving, and their seeds are edible. Photographed in Colombia.