In the U.S., it can be grown in areas having mild winters. The plant is a perennial-rooted vine, which bears fruit that is green to white and varying in size from a few ounces up to 2 pounds. It somewhat resembles summer squash both in appearance and use. Fruit surface may be smooth or wrinkled or prickly. In tropical regions the plants are often trained on trellis or other supports and produce fruit almost continuously.
Fruits contain a single large seed.
In the U.S., fruits are usually eaten, after boiling or frying. In the tropics, roots as well as fruits are used as food.