Melons (Cucumis melo - Citrullus lanatus) are annual plants of the Cucurbitaceae family, cultivated for their fleshy fruit. The stems are thin, covered with small hairs. The plant produces solitary yellow flowers and spherical to elongated fruit. The fruit is fleshy, protected by a thick crust. The fruit is smooth, light yellow or dark green, marbled or green. The flesh of the fruit is red, other varieties produce green, orange, or white flesh. It contains numerous seeds that are usually black, dark brown, or white. The branched stem can reach a length of 3 m and as an annual, it survives only one growing season.