Sechium edule

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Sechium \Se"chi*um\, n. [NL.: cf. F. s['e]chion; perhaps formed
   fr. Gr. ? cucumber.] (Bot.)
   The edible fruit of a West Indian plant ({Sechium edule}) of
   the Gourd family. It is soft, pear-shaped, and about four
   inches long, and contains a single large seed. The root of
   the plant resembles a yam, and is used for food.
   [1913 Webster]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Chayote \Cha"yo"te\
   1. a tropical West Indian vine ({Sechium edule}) of the gourd
      family, which bears small white flowers and produces an
      edible fruit.
      [PJC]

   2. the edible fruit of the {chayote[1]} vine, having a pear
      shape with a furrowed skin, and usually green or white. It
      is also called {choyote}, {christophene}, {mirliton}, and
      {vegetable pear}
      [PJC]

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