
Pumpkins are the undisputed icons of autumn—bold, round, and impossible to ignore. But what if we told you they aren’t the only fruits rocking that ribbed, orange, harvest-ready look? Scattered across tropical orchards and temperate gardens are a surprising bunch of fruits that mimic the pumpkin’s charm—some so convincingly, you might do a double take. Here’s a list of fruits that closely resemble pumpkins in appearance:
Fruit |
Description |
Melon Varieties ![]() |
Many melons, especially round ones like honeydew or Korean melon, share a similar shape and size with small pumpkins. Their smooth or slightly textured skin, along with orange, yellow, or green hues, can mimic the look of unripe or decorative pumpkins. |
Cantaloupe Varieties ![]() |
Cantaloupes often have a round, squat shape and warm orange-tan coloring that closely resembles pumpkins. The deeply netted rind gives them a rustic, textured appearance, while their ribbed silhouette (in some varieties) enhances the pumpkin-like look. (See cantaloupe lookalikes) |
Ash Guard ![]() |
Ash gourd can grow large and round with a pale green to grayish skin that sometimes develops a powdery white coating—giving it a ghostly, pumpkin-like appearance, especially when mature and hefty. |
Bottle guard ![]() |
While traditionally more elongated, some bottle gourd varieties grow round and squat with a pale green to light tan rind. Their size and smooth surface can resemble an unripe or pale pumpkin, especially in their rounder forms. |
Acorn squash ![]() |
Though technically a squash, it earns a spot here for its classic pumpkin look. Acorn squash is small, round, and deeply ribbed, with skin that ranges from dark green to orange. Its shape and ridging strongly resemble a decorative or miniature pumpkin. |
Pitangas (Surinam Cherries) ![]() |
These small, bright orange to deep red fruits have deep vertical grooves and a squat, rounded shape—making them look like tiny, glossy pumpkins growing on a shrub. |
Fuyu persimmons ![]() |
Flat and round with smooth, vibrant orange skin, Fuyu persimmons closely resemble miniature pumpkins. Some have subtle ribbing, enhancing the pumpkin-like illusion. |
Putka Pods ![]() |
These tiny, dried seed pods are not edible fruits but are often mistaken for miniature pumpkins due to their perfect round shape, deep ridges, and rich orange color. Commonly used in fall decorations, they’re nature’s pumpkin look-alikes on a miniature scale. |
Tinda (Indian Round Gourd) ![]() |
This small, round green gourd has a smooth surface and squat shape, making it look like a mini green pumpkin. Its overall appearance is very pumpkin-like, especially when grouped in bunches. |
Chayote Squash ![]() |
Though typically pear-shaped, some varieties of chayote are rounder with pronounced folds and ridges. Their subtle ribbing and pale green color give them a slightly “pumpkin-in-disguise” look, especially when viewed in bulk or from a distance. |
Ackee ![]() |
When ripe, the ackee fruit turns a bright yellow-orange and takes on a three-lobed, slightly ribbed shape. Its warm color and segmented form can resemble a small, stylized pumpkin—especially before it splits open. |
Elephant Apple ![]() |
This large, round fruit has a tough greenish-yellow rind and prominent segmented lobes that give it a deeply ribbed, pumpkin-like appearance. Its hefty size and sculpted form make it look like a wild, tropical pumpkin. |
Cacao Pods ![]() |
Cacao pods are oval with bold vertical ridges and come in rich shades of orange, red, yellow, or purple. Their ribbing and color often give them the appearance of an elongated, exotic pumpkin hanging from the tree trunk. |