This document describes the wax gourd (Benincasa hispida), an annual vine cultivated primarily in South Florida for its edible fruit. Known by various names such as white gourd and winter melon, the plant produces large, wax-coated fruits with white, crisp flesh. It details the plant’s botanical features, cultivation practices, and culinary uses, noting its ability to produce multiple crops annually in warm climates. The wax gourd is valued for its versatility in cooking and long shelf life when stored properly. Original publication date May 1994.