Fluted pumpkin (ugu) Telfairia occidentalis
Fluted pumpkin (ugu) (Telfairia occidentalis) is an evergreen perennial vegetable in the Cucurbitaceae family, native to South-east Nigeria (domesticated by the Igbo). It grows 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft) tall and 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 15 °C (59 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
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Fluted pumpkin (ugu) at a glance
| Type | Perennial vegetable, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Mature height | 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 15 °C (59 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 17–26 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: leaves and shoots, seeds (boiled or roasted) |
| Native to | South-east Nigeria (domesticated by the Igbo) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇬 Nigeria |
Is Fluted pumpkin (ugu) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Fluted pumpkin (ugu)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Cucurbits (squash family): Cucurbits share powdery mildew, cucumber beetles and mosaic viruses; good airflow and spacing reduce spread. Evidence C
Questions about Fluted pumpkin (ugu)
- How far apart should I plant Fluted pumpkin (ugu)?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft).
- Does Fluted pumpkin (ugu) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Fluted pumpkin (ugu) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Fluted pumpkin (ugu)?
- It tolerates about 15 °C (59 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Fluted pumpkin (ugu) flower?
- About 17–26 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks.
- Is Fluted pumpkin (ugu) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Fluted pumpkin (ugu)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Fluted pumpkin (ugu). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- PROTA4U: Plant Resources of Tropical Africa, PROTA Foundation, Wageningen
- Traditional African vegetables, World Vegetable Center
Notes and assumptions
- Grown on trellises for its leaves, picked every 2–3 weeks; separate male and female plants. Fruits can weigh 10 kg or more.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Cucumber Cucumis sativus
- Zucchini (courgette) Cucurbita pepo
- Pumpkin Cucurbita maxima / C. pepo
- Watermelon Citrullus lanatus
- Muskmelon (cantaloupe) Cucumis melo
- Butternut squash Cucurbita moschata
- Bitter melon Momordica charantia
- Luffa (sponge gourd) Luffa aegyptiaca