Watermelons

Watermelons are Cucurbits but they aren't "true melons", the Cucumis melo species, but are species Citrullus lanatus. They are characterized by bigger leaves, longer vines, and brighter colored, usually stripey fruit, with a higher water content and heavier weight. Seeds are usually white when immature and black when fertilized and mature, compared to other melons, whose seeds are mostly creamy tan.

Watermelons originated in Africa, where the first cultivars are dated to around 3500 BC in Sudan, though some newer datings find evidence of seeds as old as 6000 years in Libya and Nigeria, when they were likely harvested for their seeds and subsequently selected to increase the water and sugar content (and ease of opening), and stored for long term access to their water and energy.

Vines can be climbing, but due to weight of fruit, are typically let to lay prostrate for home gardeners.

The watermelon and its emoji 🍉🍉🍉 are used as a symbol of Palestinian resistance.