different types of gourds
Squash and gourd varieties are divided among four cucurbit species. With so many different species and subspecies of squash and gourds available, identification becomes a confusing task. In some areas, all pumpkins, squash and gourds are collectively known as pumpkin.. Many varieties of pumpkin used in baking are actually squash. To make it easier, squash and gourds are divided into four species: Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata and Cucurbita mixta.