- calabazilla
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/kal'euh beuh zee"euh/, n.a prostrate vine, Cucurbita foetidissima, of the gourd family, native to southwestern North America, having yellow flowers, round, inedible green and yellow fruit, and an unpleasant odor. Also called mock orange, Missouri gourd, wild pumpkin.[1880-85, Amer.; < MexSp calabacilla < Sp: squirting cucumber, dim. of calabaza; see CALABASH]
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▪ plantalso called Missouri gourd, buffalo gourd, or wild pumpkin(Cucurbita foetidissima), perennial prostrate vine of the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae), native to southwestern North America. A calabazilla has triangular, long-stalked, finely toothed leaves, yellow flowers about 6.3 to 10.2 cm (2.5 to 4 inches) wide, and inedible, orange-shaped, predominantly green fruits with yellow stripes and markings. Although an unattractive plant with a fetid odour, the calabazilla is grown as an ornamental for its colourful fruits, and its seeds are rich in both oil and protein.* * *
Universalium. 2010.
