Are Benincasa Hispida and Cucumis Hystrix in the same botanical family?

Yes — both belong to Cucurbitaceae.

Can you substitute Benincasa Hispida for Cucumis Hystrix?

They share the Cucurbitaceae family, so they can sometimes substitute in recipes — with notable differences in aroma.

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Benincasa Hispida vs Cucumis Hystrix

Benincasa hispida · Cucumis hystrix

Benincasa Hispida

Benincasa hispida

T Traditional Use

Family: Cucurbitaceae
Genus: Benincasa
Primary use: medicinal

Benincasa hispida, the wax gourd, also called ash gourd, white gourd, winter gourd, winter melon, tallow gourd, ash pumpkin, dongah or Chinese preserving melon, is a species of vine.

Cucumis Hystrix

Cucumis hystrix

T Traditional Use

Family: Cucurbitaceae
Genus: Cucumis
Primary use: medicinal

Cucumis hystrix is a monoecious annual climbing vine in the family Cucurbitaceae. The specific epithet is Neo-Latin for "porcupine".

At a glance

· Both in Cucurbitaceae, but different genera (Benincasa vs Cucumis).
· Both are primarily medicinal.
· Evidence tiers — Benincasa Hispida: T; Cucumis Hystrix: T.