Are Benincasa Hispida and Momordica Cochinchinensis in the same botanical family?

Yes — both belong to Cucurbitaceae.

Can you substitute Benincasa Hispida for Momordica Cochinchinensis?

They share the Cucurbitaceae family, so they can sometimes substitute in recipes — with notable differences in aroma.

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Benincasa Hispida vs Momordica Cochinchinensis

Benincasa hispida · Momordica cochinchinensis

Benincasa Hispida

Benincasa hispida

T Traditional Use

Family: Cucurbitaceae
Genus: Benincasa
Primary use: medicinal

Benincasa hispida, the wax gourd, also called ash gourd, white gourd, winter gourd, winter melon, tallow gourd, ash pumpkin, dongah or Chinese preserving melon, is a species of vine.

Momordica Cochinchinensis

Momordica cochinchinensis

T Traditional Use

Family: Cucurbitaceae
Genus: Momordica
Primary use: medicinal

Gac, from the Vietnamese gấc, scientific name Momordica cochinchinensis, is a species of plant in the melon and cucumber family Cucurbitaceae native to countries throughout Southeast Asia and to Queensland, Australia. It is notable for its vivid orange-reddish color resulting fro…

At a glance

· Both in Cucurbitaceae, but different genera (Benincasa vs Momordica).
· Both are primarily medicinal.
· Evidence tiers — Benincasa Hispida: T; Momordica Cochinchinensis: T.