Watermelon
A sweet, juicy vine fruit domesticated in Sudan and cultivated worldwide.
The watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a species of flowering plant in the family Cucurbitaceae. It is a scrambling and trailing vine-like plant cultivated worldwide. Watermelons are grown in tropical to temperate regions for its large edible berry having a firm rind and no internal divisions; botanically, it is a pepo. The sweet, juicy flesh is usually deep red to pink, with many seeds that are black when mature and white when immature. Seedless varieties exist. The fruit can be eaten raw or pickled, and the rind is edible after cooking. It may also be consumed as a juice or an ingredient in mixed beverages.
- Scientific name
- Citrullus lanatus
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Domesticated in
- Sudan
- Fruit type
- Pepo (modified berry)
- Major producer (2024)
- China (60% of world production)
Quick Facts
- Genus
- Citrullus
- Species
- lanatus
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The modern watermelon originated in Sudan where it was first domesticated and cultivated. Kordofan melons are the closest relatives and may be progenitors of modern, cultivated watermelons. Wild watermelon seeds were found in Uan Muhuggiag, a prehistoric site in Libya that dates to approximately 3500 BC. Watermelons were domesticated in Sudan and cultivated in Egypt by 2000 BC. Hebrew texts from early in the Christian era place watermelon with other sweet table fruits, and dessert watermelons spread across the Mediterranean world during Roman antiquity. Considerable breeding effort has developed disease-resistant varieties. In 2024, China produced 60% of the world's watermelons.
Reader's Guide
Watermelons grow in tropical to temperate climates, needing temperatures higher than 25 °C to thrive. On a garden scale, seeds are usually sown in pots under cover and transplanted into the ground. Ideal conditions are a well-drained sandy loam with a pH between 5.7 and 7.2. Major pests include aphids, fruit flies, and root-knot nematodes. In conditions of high humidity, plants are prone to powdery mildew and mosaic virus. Some varieties grown in Japan and other parts of the Far East are susceptible to fusarium wilt; grafting onto disease-resistant rootstocks offers protection. The USDA recommends at least one beehive per acre for pollination of conventional seeded varieties, and three hives per acre for seedless hybrids. Many cultivars produce mature fruit within 100 days of planting.
Did You Know?
- The closest relative to Citrullus lanatus is now thought to be Citrullus mucosospermus from West Africa.
- Kordofan melons from Sudan are also close relatives and may be progenitors of modern watermelons.
- Seedless watermelons were initially developed in 1939 by Japanese scientists.
- The rind of the fruit can be mid- to dark green, usually mottled or striped, and the flesh can be red, pink, orange, yellow, green, or white.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Watermelon?
Watermelon is a sprawling, vining plant in the gourd family grown around the world for its big, sweet, juicy fruit. Humans have been cultivating it as a food crop since at least 2000 BC, with early evidence pointing to Egyptian agriculture.
Where did Watermelon originate?
The domesticated watermelon traces its origins to Sudan, where it was first selectively bred from wild ancestors. Kordofan melons remain its nearest living wild relatives today.
Is Watermelon technically a berry?
In botanical terms, the watermelon fruit is classified as a pepo, which is a modified form of berry. It features a tough outer rind surrounding the sweet, seeded interior flesh.
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