Sechium
(said to be derived from sekos, a pen or fold; the fruit being sometimes used for fattening hogs in the West India Islands.) SYN. Chayota. ORD. Cucurbitaceae. A monotypic genus. The species is a half-hardy, slightly hispid, climbing, perennial herb. The fruits are commonly employed as an article of food by the natives of the West Indies, being considered extremely wholesome; they are occasionally sent to England in a fresh state, and are sold in our markets under the name of Chayotes. The plant is grown in South Europe and in tropical Africa and America. For culture, see Gourds. S. edule (edible). Chaco, Chayota, or Chocho Plant. fl. yellow, monoecious, disposed in elongated racemes, sub-fasciculate, shortly pedicellate; corolla rotate, deeply five-parted. June. fr. fleshy, about 4in. long, obovoid, oblong, or pear-shaped, sulcate, one-seeded. l. membranous, cordate, angled or lobed. Stems annual. Root large and fleshy, sometimes weighing nearly 20lb., resembling a yam in appearance, and having a similar flavour when cooked. h. 6ft. to 12ft. Native country unknown. 1816. (G. C. 1865, 51.)