Chayote

The chayote (Sechium edule) is a fruit-vegetable, that is, a vegetable belonging to the category of fruits; it is also known as chuchu (Brazil), caiota (the Azores) or pimpinela (Madeira Island). It is very abundant in the Madeira Island, mainly near watercourses (streams and springs). In Latin countries, it is known as Chayote, while in English-speaking countries it is known as christophene, vegetable pear, mirliton, choko, starprecianté, citrayota, chow chow (India) or pear squash.

Despite being a vegetable, that is, the fact that it can be cultivated in the home vegetable garden, it is considered to be a fruit, such as the tomato. Its seeds are inside, covered by the edible part, as a result of the flower fecundation process.