Tropical Plant "Pocket melon"
Cucumis melo

Characteristics - The pocket melon is a fruit from India and Iran, rarely cultivated in Brazil except by collectors. It is an annual, herbaceous with a creeping habit, and sarmentose stems. Leaves membranaceous, hirsute-pubescent, variably lobed, 10=18 cm long. Flowers solitary, with an elongated petiole, unisexual, however both sexes are present on the same plant. Fruits are bery-type, oblong or ovate, small (weighing less than 200g) with a firm, white pulp, a large seed cavity and a slightly, sweet flavor. The cycle from sowing to harvest is 85-115 days when planted in spring or summer season. Its small size  has sparked some interest in the market, as an item for individual consumption.

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

Propagation - Propagated by seed.