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| Luffa (Loofah) |
| Luffa cylindrica |
| a.k.a. Loofah, Dishcloth Gourd,
Vegetable Sponge Gourd |
| 1-2ft long, cylindrical, smooth skinned gourd. The interior
contains white flesh as well as a fibrous structure that is dried
and used as a sponge. |
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| Fruits can be eaten, but the vine is most commonly grown
for the fibrous interior of the fruits, which when dried, can be used
as a sponge. |
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Plant Cultivation |
Very fast growing vine to 10-15ft. Vines may be ground dwelling, but
grow best when give upward support. Care is similar to other gourds and
melons. They are frost tender, but can be grown as summer annuals. Water
frequently, grow in full sun. If growing for sponges, allow the fruits
to turn from green to yellow on the vine. Fruits will lose quite a bit
of moisture and become light. Harvest, pull of thin outer skin and remove
seeds. The fibrous core should then be bleached and dried before using.
Propagation: By seed. |
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Origin
and Distribution |
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Related
Species |
