Sicyos edulis
Chayote
Sicyo s eduulis, commonly known as the West Indian nettle, is a vigorous climbing shrub native to the Neotropics. While often viewed as an invasive weed, it holds significant ethnobotanical value. Traditionally, various parts of the plant are utilized in folk medicine to treat ailments ranging from skin infections to inflammation.
- Scientific name: Sicyos edulis
- Family: Cucurbitaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Sicyos edulis, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Cucurbitales and the family Cucurbitaceae. Finally, it is classified under the genus Sicyos.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Cucurbitales | WCVP |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Sicyos | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Sicydos edulis, is known by various regional names across the globe, reflecting its diverse cultural presence. In Bulgaria, it is referred to as обикновен чайот, while in Chinese, it is commonly called 佛手瓜. In Cantonese, the name 合掌瓜 is used, and in Hebrew, it is known as צ'יוטה. Additionally, in Arabic-speaking regions, it is identified as شايوט.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| bg | обикновен чайот | Wikidata |
| zh | 佛手瓜 | Wikidata |
| yue | 合掌瓜 | Wikidata |
| he | צ'יוטה | Wikidata |
| ar | شايوت | Wikidata |
| cdo | Hiŏng-iòng-guă | Wikidata |
| su | Gamas | Wikidata |
| ka | ჩაიოტი | Wikidata |
| eu | Chaiote | Wikidata |
| uz | Chayot | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution that spans both Atlantic islands and African coastal regions. Within the Macaronesian archipelago, it can be found growing in the Azores, the Canary Islands, and Madeira. Its presence also extends into West-Central Tropical Africa, specifically within the territory of Cameroon. Furthermore, the species is documented inhabiting the islands of the Gulf of Guinea. Consequently, its habitat encompasses a diverse range of tropical and subtropical maritime environments.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Macaronesia | Azores | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Canary Is. | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Madeira | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gulf of Guinea Is. | WCVP |
| Middle Atlantic Ocean | Ascension | WCVP |
| Middle Atlantic Ocean | St.Helena | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Mauritius | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Réunion | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Rodrigues | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Sicydos edulis, is a climbing perennial characterized by a diverse range of specialized structures. Its growth is supported by vigorous green stems that scramble upward using slender, curling tendrils to anchor itself to surrounding vegetation. The foliage consists of large, lobed leaves that facilitate efficient photosynthesis. Below the surface, the plant utilizes a complex root system, which includes both standard roots for nutrient absorption and specialized tuberous roots that serve as significant storage organs for energy and moisture.- Total parts
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| tuberous roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tendrils | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Sicyos edulis has 5 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Antiobesity, Antioxidant, Antiulcer.
- Total activities
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiobesity | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiulcer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |