# Gem squash

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**Gem squash** (*[Cucurbita pepo](/source/Cucurbita_pepo)* var. *pepo*)[1] is a variety of [summer squash](/source/Summer_squash) that may have been domesticated from two wild varieties; *[Cucurbita texana](/source/Cucurbita_texana)* found in the southern and central [United States](/source/United_States) and *[Cucurbita fraterna](/source/Cucurbita_fraterna)* found in [Mexico](/source/Mexico).[2] It bears notable similarities to Tatume squash or Calabacita, a *[Cucurbita pepo](/source/Cucurbita_pepo)* variety widely grown in Mexico and parts of Texas with a similar vining or climbing and fruiting habit [3] The dark green spherical fruit, when fully ripe, is about the size of a [tennis ball](/source/Tennis_ball). The young fruit is often harvested before it is fully ripe when it has a more delicate texture and flavor.[4]

Gem squash is grown widely in [South Africa](/source/South_Africa), and is commonly served as a vegetable, often boiled or baked.[5]

## References

1. Paris, H. S. ["Characterization of the Cucurbita pepo collection at the Newe Ya'ar Research Center, Israel"](http://www.bioversityinternational.org/fileadmin/PGR/article-issue_126-art_7-lang_en.html). Plant Genetics Resources Newsletter. Retrieved January 31, 2015.

1. Sauer, Jonathan D. (1993). *Historical geography of crop plants - a select roster*. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press. ISBN 0849389011.

1. [https://aggie-hort.tamu.edu/newsletters/hortupdate/2010/jun/tatume.html](https://aggie-hort.tamu.edu/newsletters/hortupdate/2010/jun/tatume.html)

1. ["Table 7-126"](http://www.bioversityinternational.org/fileadmin/PGR/tables/table7-126.htm). Biodiversity International. Retrieved January 31, 2015.

1. ["Gem Squash"](https://southafrica.co.za/gem-squash.html)

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