Comparative studies on the morphology and anatomy of the three species
of Cucurbita L. (C. moschata, C. maxima and C. pepo) in
Nigeria were carried out. The morphological features of significance
include variations in the number of tendrils, fruit size, shape, nature
of fruit stalk, leaf shape and flower colour. Seed-coat anatomy
revealed four distinct zones, which varied in thickness and tissue
layers. Similarities were observed in the distribution, differentiation
and number of layers of cells and tissues in the leaf, petiole and stem
sections. There were, however, variations in number of bicollateral
vascular bundles in their petiole. While the number is 10 in C.
moschata, 14 in C. pepo, it is 16 in C. maxima. Parietal placentation
and 15 anther-lobes are reported for these species for the first time.
The usefulness of these parameters in the taxonomic delimitation of
these species is discussed
