Citrullus ecirrhosus
Citrullus ecirrhosus Cogn.
Citrullus ecirrhosus is a perennial desert vine in the Cucurbitaceae family, native to the Namib Desert in Namibia and the Cape Provinces of South Africa. It is closely related to the watermelon and is the sister species to Citrullus amarus. The plant has a hard, white, and bitter flesh.
Description
Citrullus ecirrhosus, known as the Namib tsamma, is a desert-dwelling vine species in the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae. It is found in the arid regions of the Namib Desert and the Cape Provinces of South Africa. This species is closely related to the watermelon and shares a close taxonomic relationship with Citrullus amarus, another species with similar bitter, white flesh. The plant is adapted to harsh desert conditions and is part of the Citrullus genus, which includes several economically and botanically significant species.
Distribution
Cape Provinces · Namibia
Synonyms
Colocynthis ecirrhosus


