Citrullus Lanatus is the scientific name for watermelon. The watermelon is cousin to the cucumber and the pumpkin. Florida ranks number one nationally in the production of watermelons. Watermelons are 92% water with lots of Vitamin A and C. Watermelons are a good source of dietary fiber and aid in digestion. The Kalahari Desert was the birthplace of the watermelon. David Livingston used a watermelon as a canteen on long trips. Watermelon is fat free. There are 80 calories in 2 cups of watermelon. Watermelons were grown in 90 countries in 1999. Watermelon is available to consumers all year long. There are over 1,200 varieties of watermelon. Thomas Jefferson grew watermelons at his Virginia home. Watermelons should be stored in tempuertures of 50 to 60 degrees fahrenheit. The typical shelf life of a watermelon is 14 to 21 days.