Cucurbita foetidissima (Buffalo Gourd)

[Terry Allan Hall]

I was asked if Cucurbita foetidissima, either the fruit or the vine/leaves, would be safe to feed tortoises, and, not knowing the answer, I present the question here.

Anyone know the answer?

 

[Yvonne G]

They smell bad and are very bitter, but the plant is edible. I doubt very much if the tortoises would eat it.

 

[Terry Allan Hall]

Was sent this info: http://www.fireflyforest.com/flowers/865/cucurbita-foetidissima-missouri-gourd/

Also found out that my Cherokee ancestors used it as a medicine in the treatment of skin complaints and as a vermicide. The leaves, stems and roots are laxative and poultice, the root is used mainly, but some caution is advised because of a report that it can be poisonous. A poultice of the mashed plant has been used to treat skin sores, ulcers etc. The seeds are vermifuge. The complete seed, together with the husk, is used. This is ground into a fine flour, then made into an emulsion with water and eaten. It is then necessary to take a purgative afterwards in order to expel the tapeworms or other parasites from the body. As a remedy for internal parasites, the seeds are less potent than the root of Dryopteris felix-mas, but they are safer for pregnant women, debilitated patients and children.

Edible parts of Buffalo Gourd: Fruit - cooked. Used as a vegetable, it can also be dried for later use. The young fruit is used, it is bitter and becomes more bitter as it gets older. One report says that the fruit contains up to 23% protein, though this would be very unusual in a fruit. The fruit is up to 7cm in diameter. Seed - raw or cooked. The seeds can be ground into a powder and used as a thickening in soups or can be mixed with cereal flours when making cakes and biscuits. Rich in oil with a very pleasant nutty flavour, but very fiddly to use because the seed is small and covered with a fibrous coat. The seed contains 30 - 35% protein and 34% oil. An edible oil is obtained from the seed. Root - the source of a starch that is used as a sweetener, stabilizer or for making puddings like tapioca. Some caution is advised, some reports of toxicity. The flowers are said to be edible after preparation but no more details were given.

Other uses of the herb: The fruit was sometimes used as a soap substitute. The fruit is cut up and simmered in water to obtain the soap which can be used for removing stains. The fruit can also be dried and stored for later use. It is often used with the root which is also a soap substitute. The soap is said to be effective in removing stains from clothing. The dried fruits have a tough, thick skin. They can be used whole as rattles or can be carved to make ladles, spoons etc. The root is a rich source of starch. (Industrial uses?)

So, possibly it might be useful as a dewormer, in the way that pulverized pumpkin seeds can be used.