This was some gourd of rapid growth that afforded Jonah needed shelter (Jonah 4:6-10). The margin of the RV calls it the Palma Christi. Others identify it with the Lagenaria vulgaris, which is often seen in Palestine as affording shelter. It grows rapidly, but rapidly withers, as by the gnawing of its bark by a snail. Its fruit, emptied of seeds, is used for bottles.
Lagenaria Vulgaris