Big Root
Marah gilensis
Finger-leaf Gourd
Cucurbita digitata
Above ground portions apparent as vibrant green vines in early spring commonly in mesquite woodlands or near washes. Fruit spheracle with fleshy prickles. Large seeds favored by squirrels. Detailed Description
Grows after summer rains generally in sandy soils near washes or streams. Distinctive leaves. Striped spherical gourd. Yellow-brown flowers. Detailed Description
Desert Starvine
Brandegea bigelovii
Buffalo Gourd
Cucurbita foetidissima
Perennial vine with smaller leaves than bigroot and smaller, less prickly fruit. Detailed Description
Robust vine with large triangular leaves runs along ground. Leaves and fruit with strong odor. Detailed Description
Coyote Melon
Cucurbita palmata
Vine with large, five-lobed leaves grows along ground and up into small shrubs. Whitish veins against darker green in leaves. Detailed Description