The document summarizes the Cucurbitaceae family of plants. It belongs to 118 genera and 760 species found worldwide, especially in tropics and subtropics. In India there are 40 genera and 100 species. Key characteristics include herbaceous climbing stems with tendrils, leaves with multi-veined palmate lobes, unisexual flowers, and berries or gourds. Economically important species include cucumbers, melons, squashes, and gourds.