African origin. It belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae and to the genus Cucumis (melon) and Citrullus (watermelon).
They are annual herbaceous plants, creeping or climbing, root system very branched, stem covered with hairy formations, leaves divided into lobes and hairy on the underside, solitary yellow flowers, which can be male or female and a fruit with variable shape and color .
Cultures are generally intended for fresh consumption and the main producing countries are China and Turkey.
