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Meet the Cucurbitaceae, the squash family. Here you will see many varieties of squash, including pumpkin. Other members of this family include gourds, cucumbers, courgettes, melons, even loofahs! This family of fruits were first cultivated in Africa and the Americas from 7000 B.C. They have had many uses, from food and medicine, bottles and containers to musical instruments and even air freshener! There are only four species of squash but many cultivated varieties have been bred from them. We’ve planted several cultivars here along Pumpkin Parade. You can also pick up some recipe ideas for the different varieties to try at home. How many different colours, shapes and sizes can you see? Pumpkin parade LIBRARY ART AND ARCHIVES © BOARD OF TRUSTEES RBG KEW PHOTO: COURTESY JOHNNY’S SELECTED SEEDS JOHNNYSEEDS.COM Squashes and pumpkins look their finest in the autumn so come back and see them at their best!
