About Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb.
Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb. is a vine belonging to the cucurbit family. It is grown commercially for its unripe fruits, which are used as a vegetable. Mature fruits of this species are utilized as natural cleaning sponges. The fruit of Luffa acutangula has a shape that is somewhat similar to a cucumber or zucchini, and it has ridges. This plant is native to South Asia, and has become naturalized in other regions. It is also cultivated as a houseplant in areas that have colder climates. Common English names for Luffa acutangula include angled luffa, Chinese okra, dish cloth gourd, ridged gourd, sponge gourd, vegetable gourd, strainer vine, ribbed loofah, silky gourd, and silk gourd. For uses, the young fruits of some Luffa acutangula cultivars are eaten cooked, pickled, or raw. The shoots and flowers of the plant are sometimes also consumed as food. Just like Luffa aegyptiaca, mature fruits of Luffa acutangula are harvested once they are dry. They are then processed to remove everything except the fruit's internal fiber. This fiber can be used as a sponge, or as a material to make hats.
