Luffa acutangula

Name and publication

Luffa acutangula (L.) Roth, Fl. Ind. Ed. 1832, 3: 713 (1832).

Description

Fruits of Chinese-okra or ribbed loofah are called “mond capsule” or “jhinga fruit” in the potpourri trade. They may be present as either whole fruits with a skin, 10-24 cm long (fruits may reach to 1 m, too long for potpourri) x 6-8 cm wide or cleaned, skinless sections, appearing as netted discs, 6-8 cm in diameter, with three spaces (locules).

Nativity and distribution

Luffa acutangula is native to Asia but naturalized throughout the tropics and subtropics.

Family

Cucurbitaceae

Synonymy

Cucumis acutangulus L.