Sponge cucumber
Luffa operculata

Family: Cucurbitaceae

What it is like

A pumpkin family herb. The flowers are yellow. The fruit is dark brown when mature.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Brazil, SE Asia, South America, Vietnam

How it is used for food

Young fruits of non-bitter varieties are eaten cooked.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Buchinha-do-nordeste, Cabacinha, Esponja vegetal

Synonyms

Cucumis fricatorius Sesse & Moc.; Elaterium quinquefidum Hook. & Arn.; Luffa operculata var. intermedia Cogn.; Luffa quinquefida (Hook. & Arn.) Seem.; Momordica operculata L.; Momordica quinquefida (Hook. & Arn.) Hook & Arn.; Poppya operculata (L.) M. Roem.;