Status:
valid
Authors:
F.Muell. ex I.Telford
Source:
ksu
Year:
2011
Citation Micro:
PhytoKeys 5: 25 (2011)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000749692
Common Names
- Luffa Sponge Gourd
- Chinese Okra
- Ridged Gourd
Description
Luffa saccata (also called 'Sac-shaped Luffa', among many other common names) is an annual plant with a single stem and a basal rosette of leaves. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is found in dry grasslands and rocky areas.
Uses & Benefits
Luffa saccata is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a source of food for livestock. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Luffa saccata has small, yellow flowers with five petals and a yellow centre. The seeds are small, round and black. The seedlings are thin and have two small leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Luffa saccata is a tropical evergreen vine that can be propagated from seed. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures down to 25°F (-4°C). It can be pruned to maintain a desired size and shape.
Where to Find Luffa saccata
Luffa saccata can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
Luffa saccata FAQ
What is the scientific name of Luffa saccata?
Luffa saccata
What is the common name of Luffa saccata?
Sac-shaped Luffa
Where is Luffa saccata native to?
India
Species in the Luffa genus
Luffa sepium,
Luffa operculata,
Luffa quinquefolia,
Luffa acutangula,
Luffa echinata,
Luffa graveolens,
Luffa aegyptiaca,
Luffa saccata,
Luffa astorii,
Luffa quinquefida,
Species in the Cucurbitaceae family
Abobra tenuifolia,
Acanthosicyos horridus,
Actinostemma lobatum,
Actinostemma parvifolium,
Actinostemma tenerum,
Alsomitra macrocarpa,
Ampelosicyos humblotii,
Ampelosicyos major,
Ampelosicyos meridionalis,
Ampelosicyos scandens,
Ampelosicyos bosseri,
Ampelosicyos leandrii,
Ampelosycios meridionalis,
Ampelosycios scandens,
Apodanthera anatuyana,
Apodanthera argentea,
Apodanthera aspera,
Apodanthera biflora,
Apodanthera bradei,
Apodanthera cinerea,
Apodanthera eriocalyx,
Apodanthera fasciculata,
Apodanthera ferreyrana,
Apodanthera glaziovii,
Apodanthera hindii,
Apodanthera hirtella,
Apodanthera laciniosa,
Apodanthera linearis,
Apodanthera mandonii,
Apodanthera mathewsii,
Apodanthera palmeri,
Apodanthera sagittifolia,
Apodanthera smilacifolia,
Apodanthera succulenta,
Apodanthera tumbeziana,
Apodanthera ulei,
Apodanthera undulata,
Apodanthera villosa,
Apodanthera weberbaueri,
Apodanthera longipedicellata,
Austrobryonia argillicola,
Austrobryonia centralis,
Austrobryonia micrantha,
Austrobryonia pilbarensis,
Baijiania borneensis,
Baijiania taiwaniana,
Baijiania decipiens,
Baijiania smitinandii,
Bambekea racemosa,
Bayabusua clarkei,