chayote
Plant
Up to 40' tall
Vigorous perennial vine where hardy
Stem
Alternate leaf arrangement
Vining stems with tendrils
Young shoots edible
Leaf
Large, up to 12" long
Broadly ovate to heart-shaped
3-5 pointed lobes
Flower
Large, 2-5" wide
Separate male and female flowers on same plant
Yellow
Fruit
4-8" long
Oblong pear shape
Edible
Pale green to yellowish-green skin