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Description
Luffa Acutangula, commonly known as angled luffa, ribbed gourd, or sponge gourd, is a tropical climbing plant that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. This plant is native to Southeast Asia and has been cultivated for its edible and medicinal properties for centuries.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cucurbitales |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Genus | Luffa |
Appearance
The angled luffa plant has a cylindrical stem that can grow up to 15 meters long. The leaves are heart-shaped and have a rough texture. The flowers are yellow and have a bell-like shape. The fruit is elongated and can grow up to 30 centimeters long. It has a green color and a ribbed texture. When mature, the fruit turns brown and the skin becomes hard and fibrous. The inside of the fruit contains a network of fibers that are used to make sponges.
Care Guide
The angled luffa plant requires warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight to thrive. It is a fast-growing plant that needs regular watering and fertile soil. It can be grown in containers or in the ground. The plant can be trained to climb a trellis or grown as a ground cover. Fertilizer can be applied every two weeks during the growing season. The plant can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The angled luffa plant is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant is also prone to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and downy mildew. These diseases can be prevented by providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
The angled luffa plant is native to Southeast Asia and is widely cultivated in tropical regions around the world. It is commonly grown for its edible fruit, which is used in Asian cuisine. The plant is also used for medicinal purposes in traditional medicine.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the angled luffa plant be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors in a sunny location.
Q: How long does it take for the fruit to mature?
A: The fruit typically matures in 60-70 days.
Q: What are the health benefits of angled luffa?
A: Angled luffa is a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Q: Can the plant be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated from stem cuttings.
Related Plants
- Luffa Cylindrica
- Cucumis Sativus
- Cucurbita Pepo
- Citrullus Lanatus
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6197312/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/luffa-acutangula
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228585874_Luffa_acutangula
