The Cucurbitaceae family includes about 1,000 species. These plants grow under natural conditions in tropical and subtropical areas, rarely in the temperate zone. They have a relatively largest share of the flora of dry areas of Africa. In addition, this family includes many valuable plants, consumed as vegetables and fruits (pumpkin, cucumber, squash, zucchini, watermelon, melon, Lagenaria, loofah, and many others).
