Watermelon Tree

This modest-sized fruit tree grows up to 20 feet (6.1 meters) tall and lives for up to 45 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 46 years old. It is very susceptible to disease and insect infestation.

It has a thick, straight trunk covered in cracked, silver bark, and inside, the very light wood is gray.

The branches are long and slender and are covered with sparse amounts of tiny, slender, pointed leaves with wavy edges. The leaves themselves are peach on the edges and dark red at the center.

In early spring, it produces many medium-sized, red blossoms with stiff, pointed petals with a bell-shaped floral cup. They detach easily and have a soft scent that smells like wet dog.

In late summer it produces very large, slender, 3 pointed fruit. The hairy yellow skin is stretchy and inedible, and the crunchy crimson flesh is sour and juicy. The orange seeds are tiny and are located in the centre of the fruit.

The roots are fine and grow in a large web, and overall the tree is sturdy, flexible, and difficult to uproot or break.

Forests of this species feature well-spaced trees, with the space between filled with undergrowth.