Melon originated in Africa and was carried to South Asia. It was first cultivated by the Egyptians 3000 years ago. Muskmelon originated in Iran and Armenia. Source of antioxidants. Cucumis melo varieties include cantaloupe, muskmelon, honeydew, casaba, Armenian cucumber, Asian pickling melon, pocket melon and vine peach. The five botanical groups of melon that are most important world wide are Reticulatus, Cantalupensis, Inodous, Conomom, Flexuosus. Delicious melon recipes.