angled loofah

Also known as: sing-kwa; sinqua; sinqua melon; strainer vine

A tender, tendril-climbing vine with rough-textured, maple-shaped leaves to 25cm across. From summer to autumn it produces male flowers in short clusters, and female flowers individually; all are bright yellow to 5cm across. From mid-summer, dark green, cyclindrical, ridged fruits to 30cm long begin to form. Unripe fruits can be eaten as a vegetable. If left to mature the skin can be picked off, the seeds removed, and the fibrous body used as an abrasive sponge

Scientific classification

Species: angled loofah (Luffa acutangula)
Genus: Luffa
Family: Cucurbitaceae

Harmful if eaten, except young fruit, don't eat if bitter. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling]
Toxicity: Annual Biennial
Plant type: 1.5-2.5 metres
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: Information to be completed
Foliage: Climbing
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

angled loofah pictures

Distribution of angled loofah

Distribution map

Southern Asia

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Harmful if eaten, except young fruit, don't eat if bitter. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling]

Quick identification of angled loofah

Information to be completed

angled loofah care guide

Water deeply and regularly, keeping soil evenly moist but not waterlogged during fruit development.
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Water deeply and regularly, keeping soil evenly moist but not waterlogged during fruit development.

Fertilizing

Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during active growth and fruiting.

Pruning

No pruning required

Propagation

Sow seeds at 21-24°C in early spring

Growing

Under glass, plant in large pots or direct into the greenhouse border with support for the climbing tendrils; provide high humidity and shade from hot summer sun. Outdoors plant out in early summer against a sunny fence with climbing support. Luffas need a long growing season for the fruits to mature

More growing and care information →