These have finely netted rinds with shallow ribs. Third are the casaba or winter melons with large fruits. These have smooth, often yellow rinds. The honeydew melons are in this third group. Fourth are a group of elongated melons of India, China, and Japan.
Vines are monoecious or andro-monoecious.
Root system large and superficial. Stems ridged or striate. Seeds whitish or buff, flat, smooth, 5-15 mm long. The plants are trailing annuals. If unchecked, they spread to about 10 feed.