Loofah
| Botanical Name | Luffa aegyptiaca |
| Common Names | loofah, luffa, smooth loofah, sponge gourd, vegetable sponge |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae (pumpkin Family) |
Smooth loofah is probably native to tropical Africa and Asia. It is grown throughout most of Asia for food and for pot scrubbers, and is cultivated commercially in the United States for export in Japan.
Loofah is a great choice to grow on a back fence or wall. Just give them plenty of room! The big leaves, with their splashes of silver, are showy. The flowers are attractive to people and insects.
Loofahs are easy to peel for use as back scrubbers or kitchen pot scrubbers. Even with regular use, loofah sponges last for months, rubbing bodies or dishes. Loofahs are used as filters, too, and an edible oil is pressed from the seeds.