Measuring Gourds

Gourds are sized by the diameter (the distance straight across the gourd) at the widest part of the gourd not by the circumference (the distance around the gourd).

The Hardshell Gourd

The large hardshell gourd is a member of the genus (singular form of genera) Lagenaria.  The name comes from the Latin lagena, meaning ‘bottle.’  It use to be referred to as Lagenaria vulgaris, but now is most often referred to in botanical literature as Lagenaria siceraria (from Latin sicera---drinking vessel).