Updated Atomic Structure Map

Reviewing lists of edible and inedible squashes and gourds reveals a fine tuning for the atomic structure map for the periodic table of gourds.  In the lower left corner, there was initially an indication of what the resulting purpose of the squash/gourd was supposed to be: food or decoration. In fact, the Organic Authority makes a clear statement of the difference between squashes and gourds: "Typically, the edible plants under this family are referred to as squash, and the ornamental (i.e. hard-shelled, inedible, and generally un-tasty) plants are referred to as gourds."

Since then, additional information suggests the purpose indication should be expanded to include ornamentation.  Art or utility decoration is the result of physically changing the gourd to be art or a tool of usefulness, whereas ornamentation is an existence where the squash or gourd is a table centerpiece or an autumn arrangement on a porch and then discarded.

The indications would be F (food) aD or uD (art decoration or utility decoration) and O (ornamental). A gourd can sometimes be one or another, or all three.  Hopefully, the fine tuning will make the distinctions clearer.

Color as Indicator

Several periodic tables use color to make the broad divisions obvious. In this Periodic Table of Design  the color mark the differences between the kinds of design, the elements of design, and the processes involved with design.

Even in the more contemporary version of the Periodic Table of Elements, the division of metals, nonmetals, noble gases, etc. are visually indicated with color as well as atomic structure.

Some periodic tables have color that represents a transition between groups such as in the periodic table below where the transition from physical powers and mental powers of super heroes.  This could be the way to go with the periodic table of gourds. There are edible gourds, and inedible gourds, but there are a cross-over area between the two where inedible gourds, if eaten young enough to still be tender, can be edible!  Color could indicate the gourds on the table that have this property.

"Atomic Structure" for the Gourds

There are aspects of each gourd to be shared on a periodic table of gourds: whether or not the gourd is generally eaten, whether or not it can be decorated, what color is it when harvested, and if it dehydrates to a hard shell or rots.  Although further adjustments can be made to this structure, we have a beginning:

A picture might be nice - it would certainly clarify the food or decoration indicator.  For example, in the case of this structure for Pumpkin, a variety of it would be a Ghost Pumpkin which is white. Some variegated varieties could also exist. If so, the changes would be W-white, V-varigated, and so on. This makes me wonder, what would the list of options be for the gourd atomic structure indicators be?

Extending those divisions...

Extending those divisions a little further out from the previous posts, the chart is taking on a chart-like appearance to keep order. The edible and inedible groups have subgroups that are further divided. So far this is how the gourd chart stands:

It is a bit rough, but with a little more research it is bound to grow. Right now, it is clear the luffa gourd

Potential Division for this Periodic Table

Gourds

edible / inedible

winter squashes and summer squashes   /   hard shelled and ornamental

pumpkins, butternut squash, acorn squash and zuchinni, yellow squash   /    

AND, there is still some thought processes going on about what divisions go next....