Loofah Plant Origin

Loofah, (genus Luffa), also spelled luffa, also called vegetable sponge, sponge gourd, or rag gourd, genus of seven species of annual climbing vines of the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae), native to the Old World tropics. Two species (Luffa acutangula and L. aegyptiaca) are commonly cultivated for their fruits, which are edible when young and have a fibrous spongelike interior that is used domestically for bathing and for washing dishes. The spongy fruit also has a number of applications as an industrial filter.

Physical Characteristics:

Luffa aegyptiaca is an evergreen Annual Climber growing to 15 m (49ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a fast rate. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.where Egypt soil would be perfect for it.

Uses:

The mature fruit is dried and the fibrous remains used as a skin brush for washing. The sponges are prepared by steeping the mature fruit in running water until the skin and seed contents have been washed away. The dried fruit has a good texture that is also used to make items such as scrubbing pads to clean plates, pots etc; filters; table mats; insoles; sponges; sandals; shock-absorbing materials; and gloves.

Summary:

Luffa aegyptiaca or commonly known as Loofah is an annual vine popular for its fruits. The flowers are yellow. The fruits are about 30 cm long resembling a cucumber. The fruits are edible when young but become highly fibrous and inedible as they mature. However, such characteristics of mature fruits make it ideal to use as a scrubbing sponge. The seed also yields edible oil. Further, loofah exhibits medicinal properties as well. It controls bleeding, improves circulation, and promotes healing. The fruit, in particular, is used in the treatment of various conditions such as rheumatism, chest pains, back pains, orchitis, hemorrhoids, internal bleeding, and insufficient lactation.