Winter Squash (Cucurbita maxima 'Buttercup')

The winter squash variety ‘Buttercup’ (Cucurbita maxima ‘Buttercup’) is derived from the larger species *Cucurbita maxima*. Therefore, to understand its origins, we need to look at the domestication and distribution of *Cucurbita maxima*.

*Cucurbita maxima* is believed to have been domesticated in **South America**, specifically in the region encompassing **Argentina and Bolivia**. Archaeological evidence suggests that the earliest domestication occurred around 4000-6000 years ago in that area.

While ‘Buttercup’ is a more modern variety, its genetic lineage traces back to these South American origins. Therefore, the likely native region or geographical origin of the genetic material that makes up the ‘Buttercup’ squash is **South America (Argentina and Bolivia)**.