Abobra
(its Brazilian name). ORD. Cucurbitaceoe. A genus of stove or greenhouse plants, having solitary axillary dioecious flowers, and finely divided leaves. The only species in cultivation is a very pretty half-hardy climbing perennial, having a fleshy root-about lft. Or more beneath the surface of the soil. It thrives well in warm sunny spots, and in a light soil; seeds may be sown in pots or pans of light soil early in April; the young plants can be planted out about the middle of June. The fleshy tuberous roots may be stored during winter in a greenhouse or frame. See also gourds. A. Viridiflora (green-flowered). fl. Pale green, fragrant; females succeeded by small oval scarlet fruits, which are about as large as a filbert. l. dark green, glossy much divided into narrow segments. South America. A rapid growing plant, admirably adapted for training over arbours or trellis-work. It is a very pretty form of ornamental gourd.