Cutleaf cyclanthera
Cyclanthera dissecta

Family: Cucurbitaceae

What it is like

A pumpkin family herb. It is a vine. The tendrils have 2 branches. The leaves have 3 leaflets. The side pair of leaflets are deeply divided. The end leaflet is 3-5 cm long. There are coarse teeth along the edges of the leaflets. The fruit capsule is narrowly oval and 15-25 mm long.

Where it is found

It is a temperate to subtropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Central America, Mexico, Nicaragua, North America, Panama, USA

How it is used for food

The young leaves and fruit are cooked and eaten.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit

How it is grown

It grows each year from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Chayotillo, Cincoquelite, Huisquilete

Synonyms

Cyclanthera dissecta A.Gray [Illegitimate]; Cyclanthera gracillima Cogn.; Cyclanthera naudiniana Cogn.; Cyclanthera naudiniana var. tenuifolia Cogn.; Discanthera dissecta Torr. & A. Gray; Echinocystis pedata Scheele;