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Chayote (syn. Choko, Cho-Cho, Buddha's Hands) Sechium edule A native of Central America, the Chayote has been cultivated for thousands of years though little archaeological evidence can be found to prove this. It is a VERY vigorous perennial vine which produces prodigious yeilds of greenish, oval-shaped fruit. In cooler climates it generally dies back in late autumn only to reshoot in the following spring, though in warmer climates it will grow most of the year.
Uses The Chayote is a very useful plant with virtually the whole plant providing a yield. The most obvious yield is the large numbers of fruits borne in late Summer/Autumn (flowering occurs when day length is less than 12 hours) which have a watery, almost tasteless, flesh. Each plant will produce between 50-100 such fruits which can weigh up to 1kg each. The fruits are often cooked with other foods, such as in stewed apples or pickles, but can also be deep fried, steamed, baked or roasted. Other parts of the plant are also useful such as the young leaves and shoots (which can be used as a green vegetable) and tubers (of which I am yet to try!). Another use for the Chayote is as a vertical covering. In the TSH project it has been used, to great effect, as a sun-shield on the Northern side of the house. This provides welcome shade against the intense summer sun, privacy for the occupants, fruit and green veg, as well as a stunning backdrop for the 'ruling lady' of the garden. It has also been used to cover an unsightly tree in the backyard of the property, and provide additional cover around the worm farm/recycling area. It is a very useful, though much maligned, plant. 
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