LOOFAH, LUFFA GOURD
These edible gourds are native to the Old World tropics. There are several species, generally about a foot long, and the mature fruits contain a spongy material known as loofah. Loofahs can be used as sponges, and before World War II, most of the U.S. production was used as filters in ships boilers. They are also used for insulation and to stuff pillows.
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