It is an edible fruit. It is produced by the chayotera, guatila or papa de pobre (names given in central Colombia). This term is used in the Department of Santander. In some regions of Colombia, especially in the Coffee zone, it is called citron, pataste, patastillo, hedgehog or güisquil. In Brazil it is called chuchu. In Mexico it is called chinchayote or chayote. Its scientific name is Sechium edule and it belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. Also in the Caldense region it is a corn dough from which soups are made.