Luffa, or Sponge Gourds (Luffa aegyptiaca) are vining, annual squash family plants native to Southeast Asia. The fruits are edible when young and commonly used in Asian cuisines, but are more commonly cultivated for their fibrous innards in the west. Fully mature fruits can be peeled back to reveal a sponge-like material that can be used for cleaning / bathing.
Luffas are annuals that mature in approximately 90 days when seeded under ideal soil and climate conditions. Young fruits can be harvested within 60-70 days.