Lagenaria is a genus of gourd-bearing vines in the squash family (Cucurbitaceae).

Lagenaria contains six species, all of which are indigenous to tropical Africa.

[1] The best-known species, the calabash or bottle gourd, L. siceraria, has been domesticated by humans, and has spread beyond Africa.

More commonly, the gourds are harvested mature, then dried, and used in making utensils (including musical instruments and containers).

Gourds of L. siceraria have been used to store water and other liquids since ancient times.