Citrullus

( sit - ruh - luss )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of desert vines is native to 

Citrullus Species and Varietals

The genus Citrullus is a member of the plant family Cucurbitaceae, and includes seven species. The best growing zones for Citrullus plants vary depending on the species grown. For more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Citrullus amarus (Citron, Fodder Melon, Preserving Melon, Red-Seeded Citron, Jam Melon, Stock Melon, Kalahari Melon, Tsamma Melon, Pine Melon)
This species is native to Africa, where it is cultivated in dry or desert areas, including South Africa. It is considered an invasive, weedy species in Mexico. Fruits resemble watermelons, but are smaller and more rounded. The meat is white and dense, and has a strong flavor.

Citrullus ecirrhosus (Namib Tsamma, Tsamma Melon)
This species of perennial desert vines is native to Namibia and South Africa, and produces white, bitter flesh. Vines can reach up to over six feet long, and are hardy, surviving with little water and strong sunlight. Leaves form annual stems that die back each year. 
Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon, Desert Watermelon)
This annual species forms a scrambling, trailing vine and is widely cultivated around the world for its sweet fruits (botanically called a pepo). Pepos are large, up to 24 inches in diameter (8 inches in wild sub-species), and have green, striped rinds and red flesh (though flesh can also be pink, orange, yellow, or white).
'Black Diamond'
A classic cultivar with thick rind and red flesh. Great variety for rind pickles.
'Carolina Cross'
This cultivar produced the record-winner for heaviest watermelon, and produces red-fleshed fruits between 65 and 150 lbs.
'Cream of Saskatchewan'
This variety produces small, round fruits up to 10  inches in diameter. Rind is thin, and flesh is white. Grows well in cool climates.
'Densuke'
With rounded fruits up to 24 pounds; rind is black and unstriped, and flesh. Very valuable fruits.
'Georgia Rattlesnake'
An old-school cultivar with great flavor and a thick rind.
'Golden Midget'
This variety has a golden rind and pink flesh.
'Melitopolski'
Produces small, rounded fruits up to a foot in diameter. Great for cool-weather areas.
'Moon and Stars'
Created in 1926, this variety has a purple-black rind and produces 20-50 lb. fruits. Flesh is pink-red.
'Orangeglo'
With very sweet orange flesh and an oblong shape. Light green rind.
'Tom Watson'
An older commercial cultivar with a thick rind and red flesh.

Caring for Citrullus


Harvesting Watermelon

Propagation

Bixia orellana seed pods are bright red.
When seeds are mature, seed pods will open.

Problems and Pests

Bixa plants are typically pest and disease free. For more information on these problems, including how to correct them, see the following links.
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Gallery

Bixia seeds, also called Annatto seeds.
These seeds can be turned into a powder that is used in cooking to impart bright red color.
These trees and shrubs produce delicate green leaves, pink flowers, and red seed pods.

Videos

All about Lipstick Trees.
How to care for a Lipstick Tree in the garden.

Resources

Wikipedia: Citrullus
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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