Cucurbitaceae Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb., L. cylindrica (L.) Roem, Lagenaria sp.
Source: Magness et al. 1971
Plants are running vines, similar to cucumber and melon. Leaves are rounded. Fruits are strongly ribbed, elongated, pyriform or cylindrical in shape, 1 foot or more in length, gourd-like. Sometimes young fruits are consumed as cooked vegetables. When ripe shell is hard and interior is fibrous, sponge-like, and inedible.
Production in U.S.: No data. Very limited.
Use: Immature fruits as cooked vegetable.
Part of plant consumed: All of young fruits.