Luffa aegyptiaca
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Luffa aegyptiaca

sponge gourd
smooth luffa

  family cucurbitaceae 
  genus luffa 

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Identification
Genus  Luffa Species  aegyptiaca Variety  Cultivar  Common names  sponge gourd   smooth luffa Family  CUCURBITACEAE Specimen number  S11997 Data source  UnVeg p235
 
Life cycle
Life form  Terrestrial Life cycle  Annual Life span  1 year Annual cycle  Not applicable Stature  Various Growth form  Not applicable Growth habit  Various Overall height    Overall spread   
 
Climate
Sunshine  Full sun to partial shade Water    Optimal soil texture  Soil texture 26 Acceptable soil pH  Slightly acidic USDA hardiness  Not classified AHS heat zones  Not classified Sunset climate zones  Not classified
 
Garden
Suitable for gardens  no Nursery  Unknown Compost  no Size at acquisition  Unknown Garden location  Unknown Garden notes  Full sun to partial shade is best for growing Luffa aegyptiaca.
 
Special qualities
Tolerates drought  no Tolerates high humidity  no Tolerates seaside conditions  no Insect resistant  no Disease resistant  no Deer resistant  no Best uses    Symbiosis  Attracts butterflies  no Attracts hummingbirds  no Autumn foliage  no Colorful berries  no Desirable qualities    Other interest    Other interest color  Other interest period   
 
Adverse factors
Common pests  Poisonous parts  Poisonous indications  Internal poison  no Dermatologic poison  no Livestock poison  no Mechanical injury  no Hay fever pollen    Hay fever season    Adverse qualities   
 
Herbal medicine
Medicinal properties  Medicinal parts  Has medicinal uses  no Do not self-administer  no Do no use if pregnant  no Legally restricted  no Toxicity precautions  Medicinal notes  It is edible like okra or summer squash when harvested young. Use as scrub brushes when full sized. Its most notable nutritional component is vitamin C. Luffa aegyptiaca is most commonly used dried or fresh.
 
Traditional uses
Parts used  Traditional uses  Contemporary uses  Fragrance  Fragrance parts  Fragrance intensity    Fragrance category    Dye parts  Dye color 
 
Cultivation
Propagule  Seed Pollination method    Planting style  Climbing Crop spacing  6' Row spacing    Cold frame  6 to 8 weeks Planting period  May 01 - May 31 Harvesting period    Frost tolerance  Tender Heat requirement  Hot Fertilizer  Nitrogen Time to harvest  fall
 
Nutrition
Is edible  yes Culinary uses  Fresh   Dried Nutritional value  Vitamin C Edible parts  Gourd Description of edible parts Flavor / texture  edible like okra or summer squash when harvested young. Use as scrub brushes when full sized
 
Horticulture
Horticulture notes  The best month for planting is May. Provide 6' spacing when grown in quantity. Harden in a cold frame for 6 to 8 weeks prior to setting out. It requires hot days for good production. Nitrogen is required for optimal growth. The best harvesting period is fall. Propagation of Luffa aegyptiaca can be achieved by seed.
 
Herbarium
Tag needs printing  no Collection notes  Luffa aegyptiaca has an annual life cycle.

Page 2779 of 4998

Last reviewed November 01, 2004   

 

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