Melancia-do-campo
Melancium campestre

Family: Cucurbitaceae

What it is like

A pumpkin family plant. It is a herb that keeps growing from year to year. The stems lie along the ground. They are hairy. The leaves are simple with 3-5 irregular lobes. They are 5-6 cm long and hairy. Flowers are separately male and female but on the same plant. The female flowers occur singly in the axils of leaves and several male flowers occur in a group. The fruit are round and 10 cm across. The pulp is juicy and sweet.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in the savannas all over Brazil. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, South America (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten fresh or used for juice.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Cabacui, Melaozinho-do-cerrado

Synonyms

Cucurbita odorifera Vell.;