Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo 'Winter Luxury Pie')

The pumpkin, specifically *Cucurbita pepo*, including varieties like ‘Winter Luxury Pie’, is native to **North America**, specifically **Mesoamerica**.

Here’s a breakdown of why:

* **Cucurbita pepo’s Origins:** *Cucurbita pepo* is one of the oldest domesticated crops in the Americas. Archaeological evidence suggests that its domestication occurred independently in multiple locations, primarily in the region encompassing present-day Mexico and the southern United States.

* **Mesoamerica as a Hub:** While *C. pepo* has diverse origins, Mesoamerica (particularly modern-day Mexico) is considered a major center of origin and diversification. Different varieties of *C. pepo* were subsequently developed and spread throughout North America.

* **’Winter Luxury Pie’ Development:** The ‘Winter Luxury Pie’ pumpkin variety, while domesticated and improved more recently, still traces its genetic ancestry back to these original *Cucurbita pepo* cultivars from North America. Its specific development likely occurred in North America through selective breeding, but its ultimate origin is within the broader domestication region of *C. pepo*.

Therefore, while modern varieties are bred in various locations, the *species* and therefore even this specific variety’s ancestors originated in North America, especially Mesoamerica.

Not suitable for containers