watermelon

Fun Facts

Plant Family: Cucurbitaceae

Botanical Name: Citrullus lanatus

Botanical Origin: Africa, particularly the region surrounding present-day Sudan.

Common Names: Watermelon (United States), Sandía (Spanish-speaking regions), Pastèque (French-speaking regions), Tarbuz (South Asia and Central Asia), and Melancia (Brazil and Portuguese-speaking regions).

Edible Parts: Watermelon is most commonly grown for its sweet, juicy fruit, but the seeds, rind, and even young leaves and shoots are edible. Seeds can be roasted or pressed for oil, while the rind is often pickled, cooked, or candied.