Strawberry plant named ‘Melissa’

Abstract

A new and distinct short-day strawberry plant is provided. Attractive early-ripening substantially uniform medium red primarily conical to slightly rhomboid fruit having a firm flesh is formed in good yield that is longer than broad in configuration. White inflorescence is formed on an early basis that tends to be disposed above the foliage. A calyx commonly is displayed that extends slightly beyond the corolla when open. A semi-dense semi-upright growth habit is displayed.

I claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct short-day strawberry plant that exhibits the following combination of characteristics:
 (a) exhibits a semi-dense semi-upright growth habit, 
 (b) displays on an early basis white inflorescence at a level generally above the foliage, 
 (c) commonly displays a calyx that is slightly larger than the diameter of the corolla when open, and 
 (d) forms in abundance attractive early-ripening large medium red primarily conical to rhomboid fruit having firm flesh that is longer than broad in configuration; 
 
       substantially as illustrated and described.