Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Cucurbitales
Genus:
Species:
operculata
ID:
359488

Status:
valid

Authors:
Cogn.

Source:
cmp

Year:
1878

Citation Micro:
Fl. Bras. 6(4): 12 (1878)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000358820



Common Names

  • Opened-Cap Luffa
  • Opened-Cap Smooth Luffa
  • Opened-Cap Vegetable Sponge


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Synonyms

  • Momordica operculata L. [unknown]
  • Poppya operculata M.Roem. [unknown]
  • Cucumis fricatorius Sessé & Moc. [unknown]
  • Elaterium quinquefidum Hook. & Arn. [unknown]
  • Luffa operculata intermedia Cogn. [unknown]
  • Momordica quinquefida Hook. & Arn. [unknown]

Description

Luffa operculata (also called Smooth Luffa, among many other common names) is an annual vine native to Asia. It grows up to 10 feet tall and has large, green leaves. It is found in moist, sandy soils in open woods and fields.

Uses & Benefits

Luffa operculata is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a groundcover. It is also used to make sponges and scrubbers.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Luffa operculata is yellow, with five petals and a yellow centre. The seed is a small, round, black seed. The seedlings are small, with a single seed leaf and a short, thin stem.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Luffa operculata is an annual plant that can be propagated by seed. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil in a sunny location. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy. Thin the seedlings to a spacing of 10-15 cm when they are 5-7 cm tall. The plant will produce flowers in the summer and should be harvested before the seed pods form.

Where to Find Luffa operculata

Luffa operculata is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia.

Luffa operculata FAQ

What is the scientific name of Luffa operculata?

Luffa operculata

What type of plant is Luffa operculata?

A perennial vine

Where is Luffa operculata found?

It is found in Asia

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,

References