Bottle Gourds

The Calabash or Bottle Gourd – Lagenaria siceraria – from the Cucurbitaceae family is a climbing or trailing herbaceous plant cultivated for its fruit. In spring, after flowering with large white flowers, it produces round fruit with a neck, resembling a bottle or an amphora. Some varieties can be cooked like courgettes if the fruit is young. It is mainly cultivated for its uses once dried. The Calabash is used as a container, kitchen utensil, musical instrument, or decorative objects such as candle holders.