What is "citron melon"

Citron \Cit"ron\ (s[i^]t"r[u^]n), n. [F. citron, LL. citro, fr. L. citrus citron tree (cf. citreum, sc. malum, a citron), from Gr. ki`tron citron]

1. (Bot) A fruit resembling a lemon, but larger, and pleasantly aromatic; it is produced by the citron tree ( Citrus medica). The thick rind, when candied, is the citron of commerce. The fruit was once called the lime.

2. A citron tree, Citrus medica.

3. A citron melon. Citron melon.

   1. A small variety of muskmelon with sugary greenish flesh.

   2. A small variety of watermelon, whose solid white flesh is used in making sweetmeats and preserves.

      Citron tree (Bot.), the tree which bears citrons. It was probably a native of northern India, and is now understood to be the typical form of Citrus Medica.

The citron melon, Citrullus caffer, is a relative of the watermelon, also called Citrullus lanatus var. citroides and Citrullus amarus, fodder melon, preserving melon, red-seeded citron, jam melon, stock melon, Kalahari melon or tsamma melon. It is in the family Cucurbitaceae which consists of various squashes, melons, and gourds. Its fruit has a hard white flesh, rendering it less likely to be eaten raw; more often it is pickled or used to make fruit preserves, and is used for cattle feed. It is especially useful for fruit preserves, because it has a high pectin content.