Gem squash  Gem squash ("Cucurbita pepo" var. "pepo") is a variety of summer squash that was domesticated from two wild varieties; "Cucurbita texana" found in the southern and central United States and "Cucurbita fraterna" found in Mexico. The dark green spherical fruit, when fully ripe, is about the size of a softball. The young fruit is often harvested before it is ripe (about golf ball size or tennis ball size) due to its having a more delicate flavor and texture. The fruit needs to be fully cooked to render it palatable. It is commonly served as a vegetable in South Africa, often boiled or baked.