
English Name: Sponge Gourd / Luffa/ Egyptian Luffa
  Common Hindi Name: Gilki / Chikni Turai
   
    - Luffa is 1-2ft long,      cylindrical, smooth skinned gourd. The interior contains white flesh.
   - It is an annual      climbing vine, grown both for its edible fruits and as a source of      sponges.
   - The young fruits, when      small, (around 6 inches) are cooked like other vegetables. They are also used      in soup or stew.  
   - The older fruits      produce a fibrous vascular system. This fibrous structure is bleached and dried      to be used as a sponge. The sponge can be used as bathroom sponge, packing      material, for making crafts, and as filters. It is environmentally safe,      biodegradable and a renewable resource.