Multivariate analisys of species from Cucurbitaceae family

Species from Cucurbitaceae family are not widely present in Serbia, although because of their morphological and decorative features deserve more attention. The aim of this paper was to study the morphological variability and usage of ten species of the Cucurbiataceae family. Based on genetic variability, species were grouped into 8 clusters. Fruit characteristics of most investigated species showed great similarity and the greatest differences were attained for flower and fruit characteristics. The longest was the fruit of Trichosanthes cucumerina (46.2 cm), while the shortest of Cucumis myriocarpus (3.4 cm) which had the smallest circumference as well (4.4 cm). The largest circumference of fruit was recorded for the species Cucumis aculeatus (16.4 cm). In terms of fruit color Momordica balsamina had a red fruit, allocated from other species whose fruits were in various shades of green. Variability is reflected in large variations in size, shape and color of fruit. Considerating that usages of these species are multiple (food for humans and animals, ornamental) studyed species deserve special attention in their further propagation and use.