Citrullus lanatus Thumb. (Watermelon )

Crop Type: Garden Crop

Breeding system: Predominantly allogamous

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a plant species with an African origin belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. Although mostly people considered it as a fruit, technically it is a vegetable, with 6-12% sugar content. Regarding minerals it contains mainly potassium, sodium, calcium, iron, sulfur and phosphorus. Its nutritional value lies in its easy digestibility, gastrointestinal stimulating effect and diuretic effect.

The plant is allogamous and pollinated by insects. The color and shape of the fruit is extremely variable. The fruit flesh can be white, lemon yellow, orange, pink, red or blood red. Varieties with red flesh are the most widespread and popular in cultivation and among consumers.

References
  • Contribution by The Hungarian Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (ÖMKi), Hungary.