Family: Cucurbitaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Luffa acutangula, commonly known as angled loofah or ribbed gourd, is a fast-growing annual vine native to the Indian subcontinent. It produces long, ridged green fruits and climbs readily using tendrils, often covering trellises or fences. This species is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions as a vegetable; the young fruits are commonly used in cooking, particularly in Asian cuisines. When mature and dried, the fibrous interior can be used similarly to the more familiar loofah sponge. Its rapid growth, productivity, and multiple uses make it a popular garden and small-scale agricultural plant.

Risks & Threats
Although Luffa acutangula is not currently known to be naturalized in Hawaiʻi, it does possess traits that are cause for concern. As a vigorous climbing vine with the ability to grow quickly and spread, it has the potential to escape cultivation and compete with other vegetation, especially in warm, moist environments similar to its native range. Plants that produce abundant seeds and grow aggressively can sometimes establish outside of intended areas. Caution is recommended to ensure that this species will not negatively impact Hawaiʻi, and ongoing evaluation is needed to determine its potential risk to local ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized in West Africa, from Sierra Leone to Nigeria, Madagascar, Réunion and Mauritius.
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Establishes in disturbed and abandoned sites
  
• Related species are invasive and weedy
  
• Seeds may be toxic to animals and people
  
• Climbing and possibly smothering habit
  
• Reaches maturity quickly (6-10 weeks)
  
• Fruits may be water dispersed

Low Risk Traits:

• Long history of cultivation. Despite ability to spread, no negative impacts have been documented
  
• Requires well-drained soil and full sun to thrive
  
• Edible fruit
  
• Fibrous interior used as a rough cloth or sponge
  
• Requires cross-pollination
  
• Relatively large fruits and seeds may limit dispersal potential
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control