Water melons
Botanical name: Citrullus
Water melons
Botanical name: Citrullus
Description
The water melons (Citrullus) are a group of vining species often cultivated for their fruits. This includes watermelon, an important global food crop. These species grow well in hot, dry, desert conditions. Although the fruits are edible, some species require cooking or ripeness before they can be safely consumed.
Species of Water melons
Watermelon
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a flowering plant with a vine-like appearance native to Western Africa. Watermelon bears fruit that are widely cultivated and consumed across the world. Watermelon grow in tropical and temperate climates and requires warmth to grow. There are 1000 varieties around the world.
Colocynth
Citrullus colocynthis is a Mediterranean and African desert vine related to the watermelon. The fruit and the seed have been used for centuries as a food source in Europe and Africa, but contemporary researches have shown that colocynth contains adverse and toxic compounds and therefore the consumption of colocynth could be harmful to humans.
Scientific Classification
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