|
| Identification |
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Genus
Luffa
Species
aegyptiaca
Variety
Cultivar
Common names
sponge gourd
smooth luffa
Family
CUCURBITACEAE
Specimen number
S11997
Data source
UnVeg p235
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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.
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| Herbarium |
|
Tag needs printing
no
Collection notes
Luffa aegyptiaca has an annual life cycle.
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Page 2779 of 4998
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