Originating from West Africa, the watermelon has traversed the globe to become a cherished fruit in many regions. Its journey began in the African Sahel region, spreading to the Nile Valley by 2000 BC, from where it continued its voyage to India and China by the 7th century, eventually reaching Europe in the 10th century​. This historical dispersal laid the groundwork for the watermelon's present-day global cultivation, with a significant presence in the United States, China, and Turkey among other nations. The species exhibits a diverse range of cultivars with China emerging as the world's largest producer. The seeds have found use in traditional medicine for their diuretic and demulcent properties.  Photographed in Quindio, Colombia.