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| Line 6: | Line 6: | ||
|family=Cucurbitaceae | |family=Cucurbitaceae | ||
|genus=Citrullus | |genus=Citrullus | ||
| + | |taxonomic rank=species | ||
|binomial=Citrullus lanatus | |binomial=Citrullus lanatus | ||
|infraspecific epithet= | |infraspecific epithet= | ||
| Line 11: | Line 12: | ||
|cultivar epithet= | |cultivar epithet= | ||
|cultivar group epithet= | |cultivar group epithet= | ||
| + | |common habit description=Vine, Creeper | ||
| + | |common use description=Fruit | ||
| + | |botanical description=The fruit varies considerably in size from cultivar to cultivar, but can be up to 1 metre long and 40cm wide{{Ref | PFAFimport-200}}. | ||
|life cycle=annual | |life cycle=annual | ||
|herbaceous or woody= | |herbaceous or woody= | ||
| Line 27: | Line 31: | ||
|pollution=False | |pollution=False | ||
|poornutrition=False | |poornutrition=False | ||
| − | |PFAF edible use notes= | + | |PFAF edible use notes= |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ||
| − | + | |edible use notes=The seed contains about 30% protein, 20 - 40% oil{{Ref | PFAFimport-61}}. A full nutritional analysis is available{{Ref | PFAFimport-218}}. | |
|edible part and use={{Has part with edible use | |edible part and use={{Has part with edible use | ||
|part used=Fruit | |part used=Fruit | ||
| − | |part used for= | + | |preparation=Raw, Juiced |
| + | |part used for=Fruit, Drink, Syrup | ||
| + | |part use details=Fruit - raw. A very refreshing fruit{{Ref | PFAFimport-1}}{{Ref | PFAFimport-2}}{{Ref | PFAFimport-22}}{{Ref | PFAFimport-46}}{{Ref | PFAFimport-183}}, it has a delicate sweetness with an extremely high water content. | ||
| + | }}{{Has part with edible use | ||
| + | |part used=Fruit | ||
| + | |preparation=Juiced | ||
| + | |part used for=Drink, Syrup | ||
| + | |part use details=The fruit is often used as a refreshing drink{{Ref | PFAFimport-183}}. A syrup can also be made from the juice{{Ref | PFAFimport-183}}. | ||
| + | |||
}}{{Has part with edible use | }}{{Has part with edible use | ||
|part used=Leaves | |part used=Leaves | ||
| − | |part used for= | + | |preparation=Cooked |
| + | |part used for=Greens, Leaf vegetable | ||
| + | |part use details=The leaves can be eaten cooked as a leaf vegetable. | ||
}}{{Has part with edible use | }}{{Has part with edible use | ||
|part used=Unknown part | |part used=Unknown part | ||
|part used for=Oil | |part used for=Oil | ||
| + | |part use details=The seed contains about 20 - 40% edible oil{{Ref | PFAFimport-61}}{{Ref | PFAFimport-63}}{{Ref | PFAFimport-105}}{{Ref | PFAFimport-183}}. | ||
}}{{Has part with edible use | }}{{Has part with edible use | ||
| − | |part used= | + | |part used=Fruit |
|part used for=Pectin | |part used for=Pectin | ||
| + | |part use details=The fruit is a rich source of pectin{{Ref | PFAFimport-218}}{{Ref | PFAFimport-240}}, and can be added to pectin-low fruits when making jam[K]. Pectin is said to protect the body against radiation{{Ref | PFAFimport-201}}. | ||
}}{{Has part with edible use | }}{{Has part with edible use | ||
|part used=Seed | |part used=Seed | ||
| + | |preparation=Raw, Cooked | ||
|part used for=Unknown use | |part used for=Unknown use | ||
| + | |part use details=Seed is edible raw or cooked{{Ref | PFAFimport-63}}{{Ref | PFAFimport-86}}{{Ref | PFAFimport-117}}{{Ref | PFAFimport-183}}. | ||
| + | }}{{Has part with edible use | ||
| + | |part used=Seed | ||
| + | |preparation=Dried | ||
| + | |part used for=Flour | ||
| + | |part use details=They can be roasted or ground into a powder and used with cereal flours when making bread, cakes etc, or added to soups and stews as a thickener{{Ref | PFAFimport-163}}{{Ref | PFAFimport-105}}{{Ref | PFAFimport-83}}. | ||
| + | }}{{Has part with edible use | ||
| + | |part used=Fruit | ||
| + | |preparation=Cooked | ||
| + | |part used for=Vegetable | ||
| + | |part use details= The unripe fruits are added to soups{{Ref | PFAFimport-183}}. | ||
}} | }} | ||
|PFAF material use notes=The seed contains 20 - 40% oil. As well as being edible, it is also used for making soap and for lighting{{Ref | PFAFimport-117}}. | |PFAF material use notes=The seed contains 20 - 40% oil. As well as being edible, it is also used for making soap and for lighting{{Ref | PFAFimport-117}}. | ||
Revision as of 08:47, 29 January 2014
Botanical description
The fruit varies considerably in size from cultivar to cultivar, but can be up to 1 metre long and 40cm wide[16].Uses
Toxic parts
The sprouting seed produces a toxic substance in its embryo[17].
Edible uses
Notes
The seed contains about 30% protein, 20 - 40% oil[6]. A full nutritional analysis is available[9].
Leaves
Cooked as a Greens, Leaf vegetable
The leaves can be eaten cooked as a leaf vegetable.
Unknown part
Seed
Raw, Cooked as an Unknown use
Dried as a Flour
Material uses
The seed contains 20 - 40% oil. As well as being edible, it is also used for making soap and for lighting[13].
Face masks made from the fruit are used as a cosmetic on delicate skins[18].
Unknown part
Medicinal uses(Warning!)
The seed is demulcent, diuretic, pectoral and tonic[19][9]. It is sometimes used in the treatment of the urinary passages[19] and has been used to treat bed wetting[20]. The seed is also a good vermifuge[19] and has a hypotensive action[18]. A fatty oil in the seed, as well as aqueous or alcoholic extracts, paralyze tapeworms and roundworms[10].
The fruit, eaten when fully ripe or even when almost putrid, is used as a febrifuge[19] The fruit is also diuretic, being effective in the treatment of dropsy and renal stones[18]. The fruit contains the substance lycopine (which is also found in the skins of tomatoes). This substance has been shown to protect the body from heart attacks and, in the case of the tomato at least, is more effective when it is cooked[21]. The rind of the fruit is prescribed in cases of alcoholic poisoning and diabetes[9].
The root is purgative and in large dose is said to be a certain emetic[19].Ecology
Ecosystem niche/layer
Ecological Functions
Nothing listed.
Forage
Nothing listed.
Shelter
Nothing listed.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a rich compost in a greenhouse. Either put 2-3 seeds in each pot and thin to the best plant, or prick out the seedlings into individual pots of rich soil as soon as they are large enough to handle. Grow them on fast and, if trying them outside, plant out after the last expected frosts. Give them some protection, such as a cloche or a frame, at least until they are growing away vigorously.
Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Citrullus lanatus. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.
Cultivation
Prefers a rich sandy loam and a very sunny position[1][13][16]. A drought resistant plant once established, it is intolerant of wet soils[13]. Tolerates a pH in the range 5.3 to 8.
The water melon is frequently grown for its edible fruit in warm temperate and tropical areas, there are many named varieties[5]. It is not frost hardy and requires a long hot summer if it is to fruit well. It is not really a suitable crop for growing outdoors in Britain at the present time, though it is possible that new faster maturing cultivars will be developed. It is best grown in greenhouse conditions in Britain[K]. The cultivars 'Fordbrook hybrid', New Hampshire midget' and 'Sugar baby' mature in 80 - 85 days in Long Island, New York[16].
A good companion plant for potatoes[22].Crops
Problems, pests & diseases
Associations & Interactions
There are no interactions listed for Citrullus lanatus. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.
Polycultures & Guilds
There are no polycultures listed which include Citrullus lanatus.
Descendants
Cultivars
Varieties
None listed.
Subspecies
None listed.
Full Data
This table shows all the data stored for this plant.
Taxonomy
Binomial name
Citrullus lanatus
Genus
Citrullus
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
?
Herbaceous or Woody
?
Life Cycle
Growth Rate
?
Mature Size
?
Fertility
?
Pollinators
?
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type
References
- ? 1.01.11.2 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (32202/01/01)
- ? 2.02.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (32202/01/01)
- ? 3.03.1 Sholto-Douglas. J. Alternative Foods. ()
- ? 4.04.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (32202/01/01)
- ? 5.05.15.25.35.45.55.65.7 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (32202/01/01)
- ? 6.06.16.2 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (32202/01/01)
- ? 7.07.17.2 Howes. F. N. Nuts. Faber (32202/01/01)
- ? 8.08.18.2 Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing (32202/01/01)
- ? 9.09.19.29.39.49.5 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (32202/01/01)
- ? 10.010.110.210.3 Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. (32202/01/01)
- ? 11.011.1 Allardice.P. A - Z of Companion Planting. Cassell Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-304-34324-2 (32202/01/01)
- ? 12.012.1 Organ. J. Gourds. Faber (32202/01/01)
- ? 13.013.113.213.313.413.5 Rosengarten. jnr. F. The Book of Edible Nuts. Walker & Co. ISBN 0802707699 (32202/01/01)
- ? 14.014.1 RHS Lily Group. Lilies and Related Plants. ()
- ? 15.015.1 Evans. R. L. Handbook of Cultivated Sedums. Science Reviews (32202/01/01)
- ? 16.016.116.216.316.4 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (32202/01/01)
- ? Frohne. D. and Pf?nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe ISBN 0723408394 (32202/01/01)
- ? 18.018.118.218.318.4 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (32202/01/01)
- ? 19.019.119.219.319.419.5 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (32202/01/01)
- ? 20.020.1 Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-453-9 (32202/01/01)
- ? 21.021.1 Radio 4 AM - (32202/01/01)
- ? Riotte. L. Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Garden Way, Vermont, USA. ISBN 0-88266-064-0 (32202/01/01)
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