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Luffa (Sponge Gourd)
اللوف (الليف) · Luffa aegyptiaca
A climber whose young fruits are eaten. Dry fruits are used as natural bath sponges.
Quick facts
| Arabic name | اللوف (الليف) |
|---|---|
| English name | Luffa (Sponge Gourd) |
| Scientific name | Luffa aegyptiaca |
| Family | Gourd family (Cucurbitaceae) |
| Plant type | Annual summer climber |
| Height | Climbs to 5 m or more |
| Water use | Medium |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
March to May
Harvest time
June to September
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
A climber with big lobed leaves, yellow flowers and green cylinder fruits that become fibrous inside when dry.
Where it grows
Grown in summer in Jazan, Najran, the Eastern Province and Makkah on trellises and fences.
Soil
Needs rich, well-drained soil.
Water and irrigation
Regular watering.
Climate and light
Loves heat and full sun.
Propagation
From seeds.
Benefits and uses
- Young fruits are cooked and eaten
- Dry fruits make natural sponges
- Gives shade on trellises
Drawbacks
- Needs strong support
- Big fruits become fibrous and not edible
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Luffa aegyptiaca
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Luffa aegyptiaca
- Wikipedia: Luffa aegyptiaca
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)