The fruits of members of this group are pepos. They are basically inferior fruited berries. See p. 113 for a diagram of the fruits etc. Four widely cultivated species are often encountered. They are only known as domesticated species.
Most wild cucurbits are bitter and poisonous.
Most squashes and pumpkins are from C. pepo . There are fossils in Mexico from 7500 to 9000 years old. Some other species arose in South America as cultivated plants. Pumpkins eaten as a vegetable in most parts of the world. They were in Europe early and in China by the 11th century.