PI. 232. 





THE SCENTED MELON OF GUATEMALA. 



(Sicana odorifera. See S. P. I. No. 43427.) 



The melocoton, a peculiar melon found in the Guatemalan lowlands, 

 which, when prepared as a preserve is famous throughout the 

 Republic. The name, melocoton, properly belongs to the peach, but 

 has probably been applied to this melon through some resemblance, 

 fancied or otherwise, to the peach. In color the melocoton is 

 either a beautiful deep red or a Mack; the flesh is yellow, aromatic, 

 with numerous black seeds. The ripe melon has a delightful 

 spicy fragrance. The possibility of hybridizing it with other species 

 of cucurbits should be considered! (Photographed by Wilson 

 Popenoe, Mazatenango, Guatemala, September 23, 1916; 

 P16804FS.) 



