Origin, distribution and taxonomy of melons

Based on the theory of continental drift, the occurrence of feral and semi-feral melons in certain parts of the world, and the Mosaic, Biblic and Koranic theories, the watermelon is supposed to have originated in Central Africa and the muskmelon in south-eastern Africa and peninsular India. The present day occurrence of these plants in different parts of the world may be the result of dispersal by birds, animals and man. The present-day muskmelon, Cucumis melo, evolved from the African horned melon, C. metuliferus. The cucumber, C. sativus, is an off-shoot in the evolution of muskmelon. In its various forms and designations, C. melo has undergone numerous genetic, morphological and biochemical changes before it acquired its current form. The paper presents the earlier concepts which prevailed on this subject, and proposes some more probable theories.