Cucurbitaceae FAMILY
Cucumis melo cantalupensis
Cucumis melo cantalupensis
Edibility
4/5
Medicinal
2/5
Safety & Hazards
The sprouting seed produces a toxic substance in its embryo[ 65 Title A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Publication Author Frohne. D. and Pfänder. J. Publisher Wolfe Year 1984 ISBN 0723408394 Description Brilliant. Goes into technical details but in a very readable way. The best work on the subject that I've come across so far. ].
Botanical Description
Cucumis melo cantalupensis is an annual plant, able to climb with the help of tendrils, but more commonly sprawling along the ground. The plant is widely cultivated for its edible fruit, in both gardens and commercially, from the warm temperate zone to tropical areas. Melons also provide an edible oil and have various traditional medicinal applications.
Habitat & Origin
Origintemperate; tropical
Native RangeProbably native of Asia, though it has been in cultivation for so long its native habitat is obscure
HabitatDerived through cultivation, it is not known in a truly wild location.