Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw.
Monoecious , perennial herb , sprawling or climbing with large , 2-5 branched
tendrils , root large , tuberous , stem up to 1.5 m long , longitudinally grooved . Leaves arranged spirally , simple ; stipules absent . Flowers unisexual , regular , pentamerous ; male flowers in axillary raceme , small , greenish or cream ; female flowers usually solitary on short pedicel . Fruit a fleshy berry , pearshaped . Seed ovoid - ellipsoid , white.
- Family: Cucurbitaceae
- Habit: climber.
- Habitat: Homestead area , agricultural area
- Status : Least Concern
Vernacular names
English - Chayote
Hindi - Chow chow
Malayalam - Chow chow
Tamil - Seema Kattrikkai
Kannada - Seemebadane
Medicinal Uses
* Essential nutrient- folate , which is vital for foetal brain development and spinal word is present in it .
* Helps to reduce fatty acid deposits in liver.
* Lowers cholesterol level.
* Improve body's metabolism and ability to process fat.
* Contains compound that protect against fat build in liver which can cause fatty liver disease .
