Buffalo Gourd: Behold the Subterranean Colossus
From: PULLUPYOURPLANTS.COM
Out in the near distance there is an unearthly presence. Its sprawling vines present angular sandpapery leaves. They are pointing toward the hot sun as if to indicate its place in the sky. There has been a protracted drought in the semi-desert scrublands for some time, yet, the plant is unaffected. Not even the locusts — which already ate everything else — go near it.
No harmless things are given such a wide berth.
Sure enough, below the surface, an eyeless 6-foot human-shaped tuber lurks. Traditionally, among the Kiowa, only people of particular authority were permitted to disturb this root. Externally, buffalo gourd was utilized as a detergent. Internally, the buffalo gourd acts as a powerful emetic (vomit-inducer) and laxative medicine. There are old stories of people dying using the buffalo gourd in this manner.
I’ll repeat that.
People have reportedly died trying to ingest the root of this plant as a medicine. BUT…
Besides its use as an insecticide, detergent, and advanced medicine, the niashiga maka does have a safe edible use. Food scientists were even considering taking this plant to the next level for a little while, but alas… sometimes the heart and head take divergent roads.
Welcome to the lair of America’s subterranean colossus with squash bejeweled hair. Welcome to the world of
Cucurbita foetidissima!
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By: Kevin Healey
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For my beautiful wife and son, as always.
