Common Name: |
Dishcloth Gourd |
Other Names: |
Loofah, sponge gourd, vine okra |
Botanical Name: |
Luffa cylindrica syn L. aegyptica |
Genus: |
Luffa |
Family: |
Cucurbitaceae |
Cultivation: |
Rich, sandy soil in sun. Pinch out side branches when the first fruit is set to encourage development. Shorten growths as necessary to train against a wall or trellis. Spider mites, whitefly, and aphids may attack plants under cover. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown in spring |
Harvest: |
Leaves and flowers are cut as required and used fresh. Fruits are cut when 15cm (6in) long for culinary use or left on vine to dry, before skinning and retting to clean flesh from fibers. Seeds are pressed for oil. |
Native Location: |
Tropical Africa and Asia |
Height: |
15m (50ft) |
Hardiness: |
min. 10°C (50°F) |
Parts Used: |
Fruits, fibers (si gua luo), seeds, oil. |
Properties: |
An astringent, painkilling herb that controls bleeding, promotes healing, improves circulation, and increases milk flow. It acts mainly on the lungs, liver and stomach. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for rheumatism, chest pains, backache, orchitis, hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhage, and insufficient lactation. Externally for shingles and boils. Dried fruit fibers are used as abrasive sponges in skin care to remove dead skin and stimulate peripheral circulation. |
Culinary Uses: |
Young fruits are eaten raw like cucumbers, cooked like squash, pickled or dried. Young leaves, shoot tips, flower buds, and flowers are eaten lightly steamed. Seeds are roasted as a snack, made into tofu-like product, or pressed for cooking oil. |
Economic Uses: |
Ripe, cleaned loofahs are used like bath sponges, and provide material for shock-absorbent helmets. |
Bibliography: |
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown. Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp 266-267
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