Are Cucumis Hystrix and Sechium Edule in the same botanical family?

Yes — both belong to Cucurbitaceae.

Can you substitute Cucumis Hystrix for Sechium Edule?

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

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Cucumis Hystrix vs Sechium Edule

Cucumis hystrix · Sechium edule

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".

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 (Cucumis vs Sechium).
· Both are primarily medicinal.
· Evidence tiers — Cucumis Hystrix: T; Sechium Edule: T.