Luffa acutangula

Luffa acutangula, commonly known as angled luffa or ridged gourd, is a tropical vine belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. Native to Asia and Africa, this plant is widely cultivated for its edible fruit. The vine features long, slender stems that can grow up to 10 meters in length and large leaves with five lobes. The fruit of Luffa acutangula is oblong or cylindrical, with distinct ridges running along its length. It can reach up to 30 cm in length and 7 cm in width. When young, the fruit's skin is green but turns yellow as it matures. Inside, the flesh contains numerous white seeds surrounded by spongy tissue. In many Asian cuisines, particularly in India, China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, the young fruits of Luffa acutangula are used as a vegetable, often in soups or stir-fries. Besides its culinary applications, the plant also has medicinal properties, being rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin and eyesight. Luffa acutangula thrives in warm temperatures above 20°C throughout its growing season, which typically lasts from spring to autumn. However, it can be grown year-round in suitable conditions such as greenhouses or warm tropical regions where it is native. Overall, the Luffa acutangula plant offers both culinary and medicinal benefits, making it a valuable crop in many countries around the world.

Characteristics

Plant Type

Herb, Vine

Life Cycle

Annual, Biennial

Genus

Luffa

Family

Cucurbitaceae

Hardiness Zone

13

Mature Height

9.14 m

Mature Spread

3.05 m to 4.88 m

Leaf Color

Green, Blue

Leaf Type

Deciduous

Flower Color

Yellow

Flower Size

5.08 cm to 8.89 cm

Bloom Time

Summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Planting Time

Spring, Autumn

Harvest Time

Late summer, Fall, Early winter

Native Area

Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan

Tags (4)

Common Names (24)