How are melons classified?

Melons are classified as members of the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes cucumbers, pumpkins, and squash. Within this family, melons are primarily categorized into two main groups: muskmelons (Cucumis melo), which include varieties like cantaloupe and honeydew, and watermelons (Citrullus lanatus). The classification is based on their botanical characteristics, such as fruit structure and seed type, as well as their growing conditions and flavor profiles.