Hobbies And Interests
Scientific Classification
Scientific classification places the loofah in the genus luffa, within the family Cucurbitaceae. Six different species of the plant exist, with the most common including Luffa aegyptiaca and Luffa acutangula.
Growing Conditions
Luffa plants are native to tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world, and require warm temperatures to grow successfully. The plant grows best in well-drained soil, in locations that receive plenty of sun during the day. Using trellis planting can benefit growth, although the fruit can grow large and heavy, requiring a strong trellis to support the weight.
Harvesting
Luffa plants have a long growing season, which can last up to 12 months from planting to harvesting. The use of the fruit will influence the harvesting time. Eating the immature fruit as vegetables, as happens in some countries, requires earlier harvesting. As the fruit matures on the plant, they dry out and turn straw-colored. They can remain on the plant to dry out completely, although in wetter weather, harvesting and storing can avoid discoloration of the fruit. Following harvesting, removing the skin will reveal the fibrous sponge interior.
Commercial Growing Regions
Commercial growing regions include Asia, as well as Central and South America. The USA imports loofah from a number of countries, including China, South Korea, Guatemala and Venezuela.
Common Uses
The common use of loofah is for personal grooming. Its gentle exfoliating properties help to remove dead cells, and smooth rougher patches when used on the skin. It also has a use as an alternative to steel wool, with its gentler abrasion useful for cleaning products such as non-stick cookware.
Other Uses
Processing loofah into other products can involve the manufacture of insulating material, bath mats, sandals and packaging material. It can also have a use as a paint applicator, with a section of loofah capable of producing a textured finish.