Tsamma melon

The tsamma melon (Citrullus eeirrhosus)or Namib tsamma occurs throughout the Namib Desert from the Northern Cape through Namibia right up to Angola. It is a low-growing creeper and has conspicuous, large fruits, initially light green and speckled before turning yellow later, seen mostly in the rainy season. Green to yellow, male and female flowers develop on the same plant lower down on the stem. The leaves are divided.

Citrullus are a member of the cucumber family in Namibia. They produce edible fruits, eaten by locals and animals for centuries, although somewhat bitter in taste. Animals have no trouble consuming the seeds. There are 3 species of Citrullus in Namibia and are a typical plains plant often found in other areas such as roadsides.