Round-melon, Squash-melon
Praecitrullus fistulosus

Family: Cucurbitaceae

What it is like

A pumpkin family plant. It is an annual herb that lies along the ground of climbs. It has hairy stems and tendrils. The leaves are alternate and simple. The leaves are oval and 15 cm long. They have leaf lobes along it and teeth along the edge. The flowers occur singly in the axils of leaves. They are small and yellow. The fruit is a flattened round berry. It is 6-12 cm across. It has rough bristles when young. The fruit are green outside and pale green inside. There are many seeds. Possibly now Benincasa fistulosa

There is only one Praecitrullus species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It suits a warm and dry climate. A temperature of 26-30°C is best. A warm temperature is needed for seed germination. A pH of 6-7 is suitable.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Asia, East Africa, Ghana, India, Kenya, Pakistan, Tanzania, Uganda, USA, West Africa

How it is used for food

The young fruit is cooked as a vegetable. They can be pickled, candied or made into preserves. They are used in soups. The seeds are roasted and eaten.

It is a commercially cultivated vegetable. It is mostly grown and used in India.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. Seed are soaked in water to hasten germination. They germinate in 5-7 days.

Fruit are ready 60-90 days after sowing. The fruit are edible 6-8 days after fruit set. Fruit are harvested young and immature.

Its other names

Local names

Dilpasand, Indian squash, Round gourd, Round watermelon, Squash melon, Tendu, Tendus, Tinda

Synonyms

Benincasa fistulosa (Stocks) H. Schaef. & S. S. Renner; Citrullus fistulosus Stocks; Citrullus lanatus var. fistulosus; Citrullus vulgaris var. fistulosus (Stocks) Stewart; Colocynthis citrullus var. fistulosus (Stocks) Chakravarty; Praecitrullus fistulosus (Stocks) Pangalo;