Cucumis melo var. reticulatus
Naudin
Netted melons, Cantaloupe
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Summary
Source: WikipediaCucumis melo, also known as melon, is a species of Cucumis that has been developed into many cultivated varieties. The fruit is a pepo. The flesh is either sweet or bland, with or without an aroma, and the rind can be smooth (such as honeydew), ribbed (such as European cantaloupe), wrinkled (such as Casaba melon), or netted (such as American cantaloupe). The species is sometimes referred to as muskmelon. However, there is no consensus about the usage of this term, as it can also be used as a specific name for the musky netted-rind American cantaloupe, or as a generic name for any sweet-flesh variety such the inodorous smooth-rind honeydew melon. The origin of melons is not known. Research has revealed that seeds and rootstocks were among the goods traded along the caravan routes of the Ancient World. Some botanists consider melons native to the Levant and Egypt, while others place their origin in Iran, India or Central Asia. Still others support an African origin; in modern times, wild melons can still be found in some African countries.
Description
A pumpkin family plant. It is an annual herb. Flowers can be male and of both sexes. It has a creeping habit with stems lying along the ground. The leaves are thin and hairy. They are 10-18 cm long and have lobes. Flowers occur singly in the axils of leaves. The fruit have a net-like marking on the skin and the flesh is orange.
Edible Uses
The fruit are eaten fresh.
Traditional Uses
Fruit are eaten fresh.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Distribution
It is a subtropical plant.
Where It Grows
Africa, Australia, Austria, Brazil, China, Europe, Guam, Hawaii, Korea, North America, Pacific, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Switzerland, USA,
Cultivation
Plants are grown from seed.
Other Information
It is a commercially cultivated vegetable.
Notes
There are about 25 Cucumis species.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Melao-rendado
References (8)
- Ann. Sci. Nat. Bot. ser. 4, 11:50. 1859 (non C. melo var. reticulatus Ser. 1828)
- Cheifetz, A., (ed), 1999, 500 popular vegetables, herbs, fruits and nuts for Australian Gardeners. Random House p 187
- Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 441
- Hadfield, J., 2001, The A-Z of Vegetable Gardening in South Africa. Struik p 110
- Hu, Shiu-ying, 2005, Food Plants of China. The Chinese University Press. p 698
Show all 8 references Hide references
- Kays, S. J., and Dias, J. C. S., 1995, Common Names of Commercially Cultivated Vegetables of the World in 15 languages. Economic Botany, Vol. 49, No. 2, pp. 115-152
- Lorenzi, H., Bacher, L., Lacerda, M. & Sartori, S., 2006, Brazilian Fruits & Cultivated Exotics. Sao Paulo, Instituto Plantarum de Estuados da Flora Ltda. p 394
- Staples, G.W. and Herbst, D.R., 2005, A tropical Garden Flora. Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu, Hawaii. p 265
