A miniature watermelon, or pepino as it is known in its native South America, has appeared on the market for the past two years and is now much favoured by customers as a special ornamental plant for the traditional Lunar New Year (Tet).



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Farmer Tran Van Tiep, 70, from Sa Dec flower village in Dong Thap province, successfully grows the unique pepino plant, native to the South American Andes and a close relative of tomatoes and aubergines (Photo: Tienphong).

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Mr Tiep has cultivated more than 2,000 of the tiny watermelon plants. 

(Photo: Tienphong)

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Mr Tiep says it is quite difficult to grow pepino plants in Vietnam as it is notoriously sensitive. Photo (Tienphong)

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The pepino melon is considered a special ornamental plant for Tet and makes a delicious snack fruit. (Photo: Tienphong)

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A kilo of the tiny watermelons is VND120,000. With an estimated harvest of 2 tons of pepino melons, Mr Tiep can earn more than VND200 million with this crop. (Photo: Kinh te va du bao)

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The pepino melon was first grown in Vietnam on a farm in central highland Da Lat City in Lam Dong province. (photo: nguoi dua tin)

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Photo (Zing)

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Photo (Thanh nien)

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Photo (Nguoi dua tin)



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