Are Benincasa Hispida and Sechium Edule in the same botanical family?

Yes — both belong to Cucurbitaceae.

Can you substitute Benincasa Hispida for Sechium Edule?

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

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Benincasa Hispida vs Sechium Edule

Benincasa hispida · Sechium edule

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.

Sechium Edule

Sechium edule

T Traditional Use

Family: Cucurbitaceae
Genus: Sechium
Primary use: medicinal

Chayote, also known as christophine, mirliton, güisquil, and choko, is an edible plant belonging to the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae. This fruit was first cultivated in Mesoamerica between southern Mexico and Honduras, with the most genetic diversity available in both Mexico and G…

At a glance

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