The term FRUIT GOURD is a collective name for a variety of edible fruits that are related to the gourd family. The most common type of fruit gourd is the PEPO, which is a type of berry with a hard outer rind and soft inner flesh. PEPO is derived from the Greek word for 'MELON'. These fruits are typically round or oval in shape and can range in size from small to large. They are often used in cooking and baking, as well as for decorative purposes.