Common Names: Watermelon, cow melon
Local Names: Kankana (Hausa)
Species ID: NMP-021,wfo-0000607858, NCBI:txid3654

Kingdom: Plantae

Clade: Tracheophytes

Clade: Angiosperms

Clade: Eudicots

Clade: Rosids

Order: Cucurbitales

Family: Cucurbitaceae

Genus: Citrullus

Species: C. lanatus

Synonyms: Anguria citrullus Mill., Citrullus amarus Schrad., Citrullus anguria (Duchesne) H.Hara, and others.

Watermelons are annual plants with climbing or prostrate growth patterns. Stems can reach up to 3 meters, with leaves often lobed or doubly lobed. Flowers are unisexual, appearing individually in leaf axils, with the fruit classified as a pepo. The thick rind and juicy flesh vary in color and size, depending on the variety.

·       Leaves: 60–200 mm long and 40–150 mm wide, lobed with three main lobes.

·       Flowers: White or yellow, monoecious system with both male and female flowers.

·       Fruit: Ranges from 20–60 cm in diameter, with rind colors from green to striped, and flesh in red, yellow, orange, or white.

Watermelon originated in southern Africa and spread to Mediterranean countries, India, and China. It thrives in warm, temperate climates, preferring well-drained soils and sunny locations.

• Hydration: High water content makes it excellent for hydration.

• Rich in Vitamins: Contains vitamins A, C, and B5, as well as potassium.

• Antioxidants: Lycopene reduces oxidative stress and may lower cancer risk.

• Anti-inflammatory: Contains cucurbitacin E for anti-inflammatory effects.

• Cardiovascular Health: Citrulline may improve heart health by reducing blood pressure.

• Diuretic Properties: Traditionally, watermelon has been used as a natural diuretic to support kidney function and aid in detoxification.

⚠  Toxicity Profile

Watermelon is generally considered safe for consumption. However, excessive intake may lead to digestive discomfort due to its high water and fiber content. Individuals with allergies to certain fruits should exercise caution.

·       Culinary Use: Fresh consumption, juices, smoothies, and desserts.

·       Seedless Varieties: Selectively cultivated for convenience.

·       Traditional Use: Seeds roasted as snacks or ground into flour.

·       Rinds: Edible, used in cooking or pickled.

1. World Flora Online Consortium (2022). Citrullus lanatus. Retrieved May 2022.
2. Renner, S. S., & Wu, S. (2021). A chromosome-level genome of a Kordofan melon. PNAS, 118(23), e2101486118. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2101486118
3. Chomicki, G., & Renner, S. S. (2015). Watermelon origin solved with molecular phylogenetics. New Phytologist, 205(2), 526–532.

1. Wikipedia - Watermelon
2. Native Plant Trust
3. iNaturalist - Citrullus lanatus

• Tetradecanoic acid methyl ester
• Palmitic Acid
• Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
• methyl-11-octadecenoate (11-Octadecanoic acid methyl ester)
• Methyl Stearate
• Lauric acid (Dodecanoic acid)
• Methyl palmitate
• 1-Octadecene

Olajuyigbe, A. A., Amah, G. H., Adebawo, O. O., & Olajuyigbe, O. O. (2019). Extraction and GC-MS analysis of the fatty acids in commonly consumed melon seed varieties in Nigeria. GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7(3), 077-092.