

Melon
Botanical name: Cucumis
Melon
Botanical name: Cucumis


Description

The melon (Cucumis) are a genus consisting of climbing vines. They include cucumbers, gherkins (small cucumbers), and several types of melon fruits. Some of these plants are cultivated as food crops (such as honeydew and cantaloupe), while others (C. dipsaceus) grow wild. Most of the species have edible fruits, but C. myriocarpus is toxic to humans and animals.

Species of Melon


Cucumber 'Crystal Lemon'
A fast-growing and prolific melon cultivar from the late 19th century, the cucumber 'Crystal Lemon' develops many lemon-colored cucumbers which it was presumably named after. Many gardeners will grow the cucumber 'Crystal Lemon' for consumption of its white flesh that tastes sweet, but not bitter.

Pea pumpkin
Pea pumpkin grows native across Africa, southern Asia, and parts of Australia. Its clusters of small berries turn from green to bright red as they mature. While green, though, they have small striations, making them appear like tiny pumpkins or watermelons - thus the name.

African horned cucumber
African horned cucumber’s unique appearance makes it easily identifiable. The fruit is covered in horn-like protrusions, which is why it is occasionally called the 'horned melon'. It provides water in the Kalahari Desert in the dry season. When the fruit becomes overly ripe it bursts open, scattering the numerous seeds.

Cucumber 'Burpless Tasty Green'
The cucumber 'Burpless Tasty Green' is a cultivar from the gourd family, and of the melon species. It is favored for its early and lengthy harvest season, flavor, and digestive ease. This fruit is a trailing variety which in addition to being a great food choice, also has beautiful yellow flowers which look pretty when they bloom.

Cucumber
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a creeping vine native to South Asia. It has a long history of cultivation - mentions of its use are found in various ancient scripts, including the Bible, Epic of Gilgamesh and Pliny the Elder's "Natural History". Today, cucumber is one of the most widely cultivated vegetable species in the world.

Cantaloupe
Cucumis melo includes a variety of melons, including honeydew, cantaloupe, and muskmelon. These melons are an excellent source of vitamins A and C and are commonly eaten fresh or dried. It is occasionally turned into oil or liqueur.

Volunteer cucumber
The volunteer cucumber (Cucumis hirsutus) are a genus consisting of climbing vines. They include cucumbers, gherkins (small cucumbers), and several types of melon fruits. Some of these plants are cultivated as food crops (such as honeydew and cantaloupe), while others (C. dipsaceus) grow wild. Most of the species have edible fruits, but C. myriocarpus is toxic to humans and animals.

Teasel gourd
Cucumis dipsaceus, also known as Arabian cucumber or hedgehog cucumber, is an annual climbing herb that can be found in tropical and arid locations. The plant is native to eastern Africa, first found in Sudan, southern Egypt, and Ethiopia. The developed fruits of the plant change from green to yellow and contain many seeds. The hairs that cover the oblong fruits nickname this species the “hedgehog cucumber”. Cucumis dipsaceus has several usages, as fodder, medicine, and human consumption. The cucumber is normally collected in the wild, but has also been domesticated. The young shoots and leaves of the plant are traditionally cooked with groundnut paste, and with coconut milk when available. The fruit of the plant is used medicinally as an analgesic. C. dipsaceus has become invasive all across the Americas. This includes islands in Hawaii, several states in the U.S. and islands in South America as well. There are no known methods of control.

Gooseberry gourd
The gooseberry gourd (Cucumis myriocarpus) are a genus consisting of climbing vines. They include cucumbers, gherkins (small cucumbers), and several types of melon fruits. Some of these plants are cultivated as food crops (such as honeydew and cantaloupe), while others (C. dipsaceus) grow wild. Most of the species have edible fruits, but C. myriocarpus is toxic to humans and animals.




Scientific Classification
