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These plantsneedsimilarsoils,and
growing conditions, to those
described for zucchini.New Guinea bean
Lagenaria siceraria
These impressive fast-growing
fruit are long and slender with a
swollen tip. They can grow to more
than 1m long but are best harvested
small (10–20cm) and eaten as a
zucchini. The large vigorous vine
is grown from seed sown in spring
in cool regions, or from late winter
to autumn in the tropics and
subtropics. They need a strong
trellis to support the fruit.Tromboncino
C. moschata
A climbing, sprawling plant that
produces bountiful supplies of long,
slender, sweet-fleshed fruit with a
bulbous end. Full-grown fruit can
get bigger than 1m with a firm skin,
and are then used in the same wayasapumpkin.Butfruit are best
picked small, at 20–30cm. When
small the flesh is mild and sweet.
Often described as a zucchini
because of the similar flavour.
Fruits for many months. Flowers
are excellent for stuffing.Wax gourd
Benincasa hispida
This vigorous tropical vine is planted
in spring in colder regions and grown
through the summer into autumn. It’s
grown from late winter to autumn in
the tropics. Wax gourds need a
strong trellis or plenty of space to
spread over the ground. Very young
gourds are harvested when only
10–15cm long and used in the same
way as a zucchini, although the flesh
is slightly sweeter. If left on the vine
the fruit can grow into mammoths.
The flesh is added to soups and
stews. Young growing tips, flower
buds and flowers are all also edible,
either in salads or stir fries.Zucchini relatives
Above: Young New Guinea bean.
Below: Trombocino.PHOTOS: MAIN: GAP PHOTOS/FHF GREENMEDIA/TOP INSET: ALAMY/BOTTOM INSET: PENNY WOODWARD.Cut, rather than tear,
fruit from the plant.