The watermelon or "dropsy" (Citrullus lanatus) belongs to the family of Pumpkins. It is the most commonly grown fruit, which originates from South Africa and has over 1.000 varieties. Watermelon is grown in favorable climates, from tropical to temperate regions for its large fruit, which has a hard skin and no internal divisions. It is botanically called pepo. The sweet, juicy flesh is usually deep red to pink, with many black seeds.
The fruit can be eaten raw or pickled and the rind is edible after cooking. It is often consumed as a juice or as an ingredient in mixed drinks.
Description
It is an annual plant with long, weak, square climbing stems (five sides) and a length that reaches 3 m. The stems are up to 3 meters long. The leaves are large, coarse, hairy with fins and become stiff and rough as they age. They reach a length of 60 to 200 mm and a width of 40 to 150 mm. The plants have male and female flowers on hairy stems 40 mm long. These are yellow and greenish on the back. The white to yellow flowers grow individually on the axils of the leaves. The male flowers predominate at the beginning of the season, while the female flowers, which develop later, have lower ovaries.
Crimson Sweet Variety:
This is the most widespread cultivated variety in Greece which is very productive and gives striped fruits, round to oval in shape, weighing 12-15 kg. Suitable for transport, with carbon resistance.
Origin France, Netherlands, America.
