Cucurbitales Collection

Turban squash (Cucurbita) and other mixed squashes

Corynocarpus laevigatus, karaka tree
Finished watercolour by John Frederick Miller from an original outline drawing by Sydney Parkinson made during Captain James Cooks first voyage across the Pacific, 1768-1771

Stigmas in female flowers of single Wax begonia (Begonia semperflorens group) mimic pollen laden stamens produced by male flowers but offer no reward to pollinators

Butterflies and day flying moths feed from Loofah flower (Luffa cylindrica) and pick up pollen on their legs, underside of thorax and antennae, South Sichuan Bamboo Sea, China

Darwins large ground finch (Geospiza magnirostris) feeding on Wild cucumber (Momordica sp), Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, South America

Honey bee (Apis mellifera) with pollen grains on back. Inside male Squash (Cucurbita sp) flower. Cultivated in garden, Surrey, England, UK. September

Benincasa hispida, wax gourd
Finished watercolour by Sydney Parkinson made during Captain James Cooks first voyage across the Pacific, 1768-1771. Illustration annotated Cucurbita pruriens

Pseudocolocynthis pomiformis by Basil Besler
Pseudocolocynthis pomiformis from Hortus Eystettensis by Basil Besler

Fossil Holothurian or sea cucumber
Staurocystis quadrifasciata, 6.5 cm long, from the Silurian, Wenlock Limestone of Dudley in Worcestershire, England

(1, 2) chayote (3) cantaloupe melon (4, 5) watermelon

Luffa cylindrica var. leiocarpa, gourd
Finished watercolour by Sydney Parkinson made during Captain James Cooks first voyage across the Pacific, 1768-1771. Illustration annotated Cucurbita multiflora

Begonia sp

Deima fastosum, holothurian echinoderm
Illustration of a Holothurian echinoderm from Report on the Holothuroidea dredged by H.M.S. Challenger, 1872-1876

Citrus medica, citron melon
Illustration from Botanical magazine, No.6745, by J.N. Fitch. Held in the Botany Library at the Natural History Museum, London

Progne subis, purple martin

Magnolia acuminata, cucumber tree
Illustration from The Natural History of Carolina, Florida & the Bahama Islands (1731) by Mark Catesby, of Type Specimens of plants named by Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778)

Momordica cochinchinensis, Chinese bitter melon
Illustration from the Fleming Collection of Indian Drawings, 1800. Held in the Botany Library at the Natural History Museum, London

Averrhoa bilimbi, bilimbi
Plate 40 from Neilgherry birds and Miscellaneous (1858) by Margaret Bushby Lascelles Cockburn (1829-1928)

Begonia peltata, lily pad begonia
Plate 55 from Neilgherry birds and Miscellaneous (1858) by Margaret Bushby Lascelles Cockburn (1829-1928)

Fuegians going to trade with Patagonians in Zapallos

Momordica charantia, balsam pear or African cucumber
Drawing 31 (Ewan 14) from the Botanical and zoological drawings (1756-1788) by William Bartram. Held in the Botany Library at the Natural History Museum, London

Bryonia grandis, ivy gourd
Plate 1156 from the Fleming Collection of Indian Drawings, 1800. Held in the Botany Library at the Natural History Museum, London

Amicua melon
An illustration of a melon from Plate LXXII in a volume published by George Brookshaw. Held in the Botany Library at the Natural History Museum, London

Bryonia alba, white briony
Plate 15 from Botanicum Medicinale (1759) by Timothy Sheldrake. Held in the Botany Library at the Natural History Museum, London

Canchites canadensis, spruce grouse
Plate 176 from John James Audubons Birds of America, original double elephant folio (1831-34), hand-coloured aquatint. Engraved, printed and coloured by R. Havell (& Son), London

Luffa acutangula, sponge gourd
Illustration from the Botany Library Plate Collection held at the Natural History Museum, London. Original text under illustration reads Cucumis acutangula

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"Cucurbitales: A Fascinating World of Plants and Animals" Corynocarpus laevigatus, commonly known as the karaka tree, is a member of the Cucurbitales order. This tree not only provides shade and beauty but also serves as a food source for various creatures. Butterflies and day-flying moths are often seen feeding from the vibrant flowers of the Loofah plant (Luffa cylindrica). These delicate insects pick up nectar while spreading pollen, contributing to pollination. Interestingly, in some species like Wax begonia (Begonia semperflorens group), the stigmas in female flowers mimic certain characteristics to attract specific pollinators. This clever adaptation ensures successful reproduction by enticing bees or other insects. The diversity within Cucurbitales extends beyond plants alone. Turban squash (Cucurbita) and other mixed squashes offer nourishment to both humans and animals alike. Darwin's large ground finch (Geospiza magnirostris) has been observed feeding on wild cucumbers, showcasing how these fruits play a vital role in sustaining wildlife populations. Honey bees (Apis mellifera) diligently collect pollen grains from male Squash (Cucurbita sp) flowers, transporting them from one flower to another during their quest for nectar. The sight of these industrious bees with yellow pollen clinging to their bodies is truly remarkable. Pseudocolocynthis pomiformis, depicted beautifully by Basil Besler's artwork, represents yet another intriguing member of this order - an apple-shaped fruit that adds charm to our botanical world. Even fossils have revealed evidence of ancient sea cucumbers belonging to this diverse group called Holothurians. Within Cucurbitales lies a plethora of edible delights too. From turban squash (Cucurbita) varieties to chayote, cantaloupe melon, and watermelon.