Gourds are a type of fruit that belong to the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes pumpkins, squash, and cucumbers. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, ranging from small decorative varieties to large, edible types. Gourds are often used in cooking, but many are also grown for ornamental purposes, especially during the fall season. These fruits have a hard outer shell and can be hollowed out for crafts or decoration. Some common types of gourds include bitter gourds, which are edible and known for their unique taste, and birdhouse gourds, which are often used to create birdhouses.