Tropical Plant "Winter melon"
Cucumis melo

Characteristics - This is the group of winter melons, the most widely cultivated in the country, mainly in the semi-arid regions of the northeast; they originated on the Iberian Peninsula. It is an annual, herbaceous, an-dromonoecious, with a creeping habit and sarmentose stems. Leaves membranaceous, hirsute-pubescent, variably lobed, from 10-18 cm long. Flowers are solitary, yellow, axillary. Fruits are berry- type, oblong to ellipsoid, with a smooth or slightly rugose skin, odorless, the color varies with the cultivar, a thick pulp with a fine texture, sweet (Brix of 8-16°) the color varies from white to green. It matures late and lasts well post-harvest. The photos illustrate the main cultivars planted in the country; those on this page are of the 'Amarelo CAC' type.

Uses - The fruits are consumed exclusively in their natural state and are greatly appreciated.

Propagation - Propagated by seeds.