SECHIUM, in botany: A genus of the syngenesia order, belonging to the monoclea class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 34th order, Gucurbitaceae. The male calyx is quinquedentate and monophyllous; the corolla monopetalous; the five filaments are united in an erect tube. In the female flower the pistillum is cylindrical and erect; the stigma large, peltated, and reflected; the pericarpium large, oval, unequal, fleshy, and unilocular, containing one seed, which is smooth, compressed, and fleshy. Of this there is only one species, viz. the Edulis, or Chocho vine.—This is cultivated and grows very luxuriantly in many places in Jamaica. The vines run and spread very much. The fruit is boiled, and served up at table by
way of greens; and the root of the old vine is some-
what like a yam (Disco), and on being boiled or
roasted tastes farinaceous and wholesome.