Citrullus is a genus of flowering plants in the cucurbit family that includes watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew. Synonyms for the word citrullus include Citrullus vulgaris, Citrullus lanatus, and Citrullus colocynthis. While these names all refer to the same genus of plants, they may be used in different contexts or regions to describe specific species within the group. Citrullus plants are known for their edible fruits that are often referred to as melons. These fruits are popular as both a food and a drink ingredient and have been cultivated by people for thousands of years.