Luffa acutangula aka Chinese Okra

Taxonomy

Luffa acutangula, also known as angled luffa, Chinese okra, dish cloth gourd, ridged gourd, sponge gourd, vegetable gourd, strainer vine, ribbed loofah, silky gourd, silk gourd, and sinkwa towelsponge, is a cucurbitaceous vine that is commercially grown for its unripe fruits as a vegetable. It is native to central and eastern Asia, and its cultivation extends to southeastern Asia. This tender, tendril-climbing vine has rough-textured, maple-shaped leaves that can reach up to 25cm across. During the summer to autumn season, it produces bright yellow, male flowers in short clusters, and individual female flowers that are 5cm across. The vine also develops dark green, cylindrical, ridged fruits that can grow up to 30cm long from mid-summer onwards. While unripe fruits can be consumed as a vegetable, mature fruits are commonly used as natural cleaning sponges. When the skin is picked off and the seeds removed, the fibrous body of the mature fruit can be utilized as an abrasive sponge. In colder climates, Luffa acutangula is also grown as a houseplant.

Common names

Chinese Okra, Dishcloth Gourd, Angled Loofah

How to care for Chinese Okra

Difficulty

Chinese Okra is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Lighting

Chinese Okra requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Chinese Okra will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Chinese Okra to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.


More info:
Wikipedia