Flora Friday - Pumpkin

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Hello all!! Today's special spooky edition of Flora Friday is Pumpkin!


Pumpkins (Cucurbita) are a variety of winter squash and are part of the Cucurbitaceae family. I have determined that the Pumpkins pictured above are Great Pumpkins (Cucurbita Maxima), other names for this specific type are:

- Red Gourd
- Winter Squash
- Squash
- Atlantic Great Pumpkin
- Banana Squash?
- Boston Marrow
- Buttercup Squash
- Calabaza
- Giant Pumpkin
- Hubbard Squash
- Marrow
- Turban Squash
- Vegetable Marrow
- Mo'ôhtáemâhoo'o
- Winter Pumpkin


Where to find

The Great Pumpkin species are native to South America while the more recognisable Pumpkin is actually native to North America. Pumpkins in general can be grown around the world, with the exception of Antarctica. Chances are there's probably a Pumpkin patch near you but they can be grown in your garden but it's best to consult a Gardner first.


Edible Parts

You can eat every part of the Pumpkin apart from the stalk. Eating the skin is a personal preference.


The next few sections will focus on Pumpkins as a whole instead of just the Great Pumpkin species.


Medicinal Uses

Pumpkins in various forms (seeds, oil etc) can be used to help:

- Bladder irritation
- Kidney infections
- Intestinal worms
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- Eye diseases
- Heart health
- Sleep problems
- Cold and flu symptoms
- Liver health
- Reducing cholesterol


The seeds are also a good source of fiber and the seeds and Pumpkins in general have anti-inflammatory properties.


Magical Uses

In magical practices, Pumpkin is used for:

- Wish Magic
- Love
- Prosperity
- Protection (better when carved)
- Fertility
- Manifestation
- Divination
- Beauty
- Growth
- Abundance
- Lunar Spells
- Creativity
- Warding off evil (especially on Samhain!)


Victorian Flower Language

In Victorian Flower Language, Pumpkins mean coarseness and grossness mostly due to the legend of Stingy Jack, more on that here: 




Bonus

If you're carving a Pumpkin for this weekend, wash and keep the seeds! 


Double Bonus

When your Pumpkin is ready to be removed, if you can, crack it open and scatter it in a forest or woodland area.



This blog is for educational purposes only, consult local experts if you're unsure. Consult your doctor before trying home remedies!


I hope you've enjoyed this special edition of Flora Friday! I will be covering more fruits and vegetables in this series in the future!


Blessings and keep those black Cats inside!

C )0(

👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

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