Tag: Citrullus

While most people associate the name *Citrullus* with the sweet, red fruit of the watermelon, the genus includes several other species, some of which are bitter and highly toxic. The edibility of a *Citrullus* plant depends entirely on the specific species, with some being cultivated for food and others containing dangerous compounds called cucurbitacins.

A botanical fact that surprises many is that watermelons are indeed members of the same plant family as cucumbers: the Cucurbitaceae, or gourd family. This kinship explains the vining growth habits and similar flower structures shared by these seemingly different fruits.