Tasselhead Squash

Tasselheads are a rambling deciduous, biennial vine -- largely domesticated -- that produce luscious foliage and medium-sized, edible fruit between late Season of Closing and early Season of Opening. Their name is derived from their bright, tassel-like flowers, which are also edible. If left unchecked, it can be very invasive.
It is a tamer but more invasive cousin of cragtongue.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Fleshy vine covered in soft barbs with plentiful club-shaped, large leaves. Several vines may sprout from a single root system and have a rambling habit, ranging from six feet in length to thirty if left unchecked.

Biological Traits

Yellow and green-black variegated, club-shaped leaves sprout along entire length of vine. Flowers are between 1" and 3" and conical in shape, and typically a pale yellow. Fruit are 4-6" oblong gourds and are dark green, nearly black in color with a bumpy skin; the interior flesh is an incredibly pale orange.

Ecology and Habitats

Prefers temperate climates with a moderate level of moisture and plenty of sun. Often seen in meadows or light shrubland.

Biological Cycle

The first year of its life is spent building as much vine and leaf and winter hardiness as possible, while the second year all stored energy is devoted to fruit production.

Additional Information

Domestication

Now commonly grown as a vegetable crop.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

All pieces of the plant are edible, but the fruit and the flowers are most commonly eaten. The flowers are cooked into an omelet as part of a Silkhorn Parcel, a famous dish in Ocalin.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Throughout temperate Icalar. Rarer in Balaqalneyis.

Lifespan

2 Years

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Average Height

Can climb to a height of 10ft

Average Length

20ft

Geographic Distribution

• Icalar