Citrullus colocynthis – Native Plant Search

Native Range

A native plant refers to a species of plant that has naturally evolved and grown in a particular geographic area without any human intervention or introduction. These plants have adapted to the local climate, soil, and ecological conditions over an extended period of time, often thousands of years. Because of this co-evolution with their specific environment, native plants have developed characteristics that make them well-suited to the local ecosystem and provide essential resources for local wildlife.

Native plants play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of an area. They provide food and habitat for native wildlife, support pollinators like bees and butterflies, and contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem. Additionally, native plants often require fewer resources like water and fertilizers compared to non-native or exotic plants that may not be well-suited to the local environment.

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Native Continent

Asia-Temperate, Asia-Tropical, Europe, Africa

Asia-Temperate

Afghanistan, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Sinai, Syria, Turkey (south), Yemen,Kuwait

Asia-Tropical

India, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Delhi, Goa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Myanmar,

Europe

Greece, Italy, Sicilia, Spain,

Africa

Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, Ethiopia, Somalia, Chad, Yemen, Arkhabīl Suquţrá, Kenya, Mali

Natural Habitat

Edible Uses

Fruit - cooked . They are first boiled in several changes of water to remove a bitter principle, and then made into pickles and preserves. The fruit is 5 - 8cm in diameter . Seed - cooked. Eaten roasted or ground into a meal and used to make chapattis . The desert Bedouin are said to make a type of bread from the ground seeds. Some confusion exists between this species and the closely related watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb)), whose seeds may be used in much the same way. In particular, the name "egusi" may refer to either or both plants (or more generically to other cucurbits) in their capacity as seed crops, or for a soup made from these seeds and popular in West Africa. The seed flour is rich in micronutrients, and could therefore be used in food formulations especially in regions with low milk consumption, such as West Africa. An edible oil is obtained from the seed. The seeds yield is about 6.7-10 t/ha, which means that for an oil profit of 31-47%, oil yields may reach up to 3 t/ha. Carbon Farming Solutions - Staple Crop: protein-oil (The term staple crop typically refers to a food that is eaten routinely and accounts for a dominant part of people's diets in a particular region of the world) .