What is Coyote Melon

Below is a transcription of the above sign found at the Valley of Fire Visitor Center.

Coyote Melon – Cucurbita palmata

ADAPTATION FOR SURVIVAL

Like other gourds, sprawling stems up to 10 feet (3 m) long hug the ground, avoiding winds and yielding to flood waters.

Widespread root system helps resist tug of infrequent floods, gathering enough water to produce large fruit up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter.

Both male and female flowers grow on same plant, ensuring pollination.

COMMUNITY

Arroyo Woodland

HABITAT

Gravelly banks and washes, disturbed soils along roadsides.

ELEVATION

Up to 7000 ft (2300 m)

TYPE OF SOIL

Well-drained gravels and sands

SOURCE OF WATER

Surface

BLOOMS

March-June

HEIGHT

6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm)

POLLINATION

Insects, wind

COMMENTS

Coyotes like the fruit, hence the name.

Indians cooked the fruits or dried them for winter use, making a mush from the seeds.

California pioneers crushed the roots to use in washing clothes, but skin irritation resulted if the garments were not well rinsed.