Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Wednesday - June 30, 2010
From: Checotah, OK
Region: Southwest
Topic: Vines
Title: Identification of vine with gourd-like fruit
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
We live on a farm, and I have noticed a vine that has leaves like grapes, but produces this flower, and a fruit that is rather large, shaped like a gourd, right now green in color. It is growing over my blackberry or wild brush.ANSWER:
Here are three possibilities for your vine:
1) Cucurbita foetidissima (Missouri gourd)
2) Ibervillea lindheimeri (Lindheimer's globeberry)
3) Melothria pendula (Guadeloupe cucumber)
If none of these is the vine that you see, please send us photos and we will do our best to identify it for you. Visit Mr. Smarty Plants' Plant Identification page to read the instructions for submitting photos.
More Vines Questions
Red blister-like bumps on grapevine
April 17, 2008 - I have just discovered red blister like bumps on a grapevine. It is on the leaves as well as the stems. What could this be? Will it harm only the grapevine or other plants as well? Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Purple Passionflower as a native in Charlottesville VA
September 18, 2013 - Is it possible to grow purple passion flower as a perennial in zone 7? I am looking for hummers and butterflies to be attracted by the plant.
Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Identification of vine with feathery leaves and deep pink flowers
July 28, 2014 - I have growing up my porch what appears to be a vine with feathery leaves and small deep pink flowers. There is no water sources near by. Can you tell me what it is?
view the full question and answer
Texas natives for a small garden with red flowers
October 03, 2009 - I have a garden that is 4' deep, what can I put there that is a Texas native, I would really like some color (preferably red)also it needs to be able to grow tall (8 - 10')
view the full question and answer
Ficus pumila on Stucco Walls
October 06, 2015 - Can the creeping fig vine damage the stucco covered walls?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |