On a scorching summer day, watermelon becomes the preferred fruit for cooling off and quenching thirst. Do you know what kind of plant this beloved "king of fruits" actually is? This article will take you into the world of watermelons, understanding their growth characteristics, variety, and related knowledge.
What plant is watermelon?Watermelon, known scientifically as Citrullus lanatus, belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae and the genus Citrullus. Watermelon is native to Africa and has a long history. As early as around 2000 BC, ancient Egyptians began cultivating watermelon. Through long-term artificial selection, watermelon has developed many varieties and has become a fruit widely grown and consumed worldwide.
Growth characteristics of watermelonWatermelons prefer a warm and dry climate and are highly adaptable. During their growth, watermelons are not demanding on soil, but sandy soil is preferable. The growth cycle of a watermelon is about 100 days, divided into five stages: germination, seedling, flowering, fruiting, and maturation.
1. Germination stage: Watermelon seeds germinate best at temperatures between 25-30°C and have a high germination rate. Under suitable temperature and humidity conditions, seeds typically germinate within 3-5 days.
2. Seedling stage: The watermelon seedling stage requires ample sunlight and suitable temperatures to promote plant growth. During this stage, the plant can reach a height of 10-15 cm.
3. Flowering stage: Watermelons usually begin to flower when they have grown 20-30 leaves. The flowers are unisexual, with male and female flowers on the same plant. After flowering, pollination and fertilization must occur for a fruit to develop.
4. Fruiting stage: Approximately 25-30 days after flowering, the female flowers develop into fruits. During the fruit's growth, sufficient nutrients and water must be provided to ensure quality.
5. Maturation stage: When the watermelon matures, the rind's color changes from green to yellowish-green, and patterns appear on the surface. At this point, sugar accumulation in the fruit is at its peak, and the taste is optimal.
Variety of watermelon varietiesThere is a wide variety of watermelons, which can be classified into several categories based on characteristics such as flesh color, shape, and size:
1. Red-fleshed watermelon: The flesh is red, with a sandy-sweet texture. This is the most common variety in the market.
2. Yellow-fleshed watermelon: The flesh is yellow, with a crisp and sweet taste, and is highly nutritious.
3. White-fleshed watermelon: The flesh is white, with a light taste and high water content.
4. Green-fleshed watermelon: The flesh is green, with a fresh and tender texture and a unique flavor.
5. Seedless watermelon: The fruit has no seeds, offering a better texture and easier to eat.
Nutritional value of watermelonWatermelon is rich in various nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, minerals, and amino acids. With a water content of over 90%, it has effects like clearing heat, relieving summer heat, promoting urination, and reducing swelling. Watermelon also contains an antioxidant called "lycopene," which helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
As a favorite summer treat for beating the heat, watermelon is loved by many. Understanding its growth characteristics, variety, and nutritional value helps us better choose and enjoy this delicious fruit. In the future, with the continuous advancement of science and technology, it is believed that watermelon cultivation techniques and variety improvement will become more sophisticated, bringing more high-quality options to consumers.