May 18, 2025
#2888 - Citrullus colocynthis - Paddymelon
Formerly Colocynthis citrullus. AKA Abu Jahl's melon, colocynth, bitter apple, bitter cucumber, egusi, vine of Sodom, or wild gourd.
Native to the drier parts of the Mediterranean Basin, west Asia, and Nubia, but now found over a much larger area that includes Australia. It closely resembles the watermelon, which may be derived from it, but the pulp is bitter and poisonous. That doesn't stop it being cultivated in areas where other agriculture is difficult. The seeds need to be roasted for food, or pressed for oil.
Thar Desert, Rajasthan, India.
