Question 1

What is Luffa acutangula called in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

In Sri Lanka, Luffa acutangula is known as Watakolu (වටකොළු) in Sinhala and Peerkan in Tamil. It is a common home-garden vegetable across the island and is also listed formally in Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia.

Question 2

Is Luffa acutangula edible?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Young, immature fruits of Luffa acutangula are widely eaten across Sri Lanka and South Asia. They are prepared as curries, stir-fries, and dry dishes mixed with coconut. The flesh is mild, slightly sweet, and tender when harvested before full maturity.

Question 3

What are the Ayurvedic uses of ridged gourd?

Accepted Answer

In Ayurvedic medicine, Luffa acutangula fruit is considered cooling and is used to support digestion and reduce inflammation. Leaf preparations are applied externally for skin conditions, and seed extracts feature in some traditional respiratory treatments. It is formally catalogued in Sri Lanka's national Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia.

Question 4

What is the difference between Luffa acutangula and Luffa cylindrica?

Accepted Answer

The two are closely related species in the same genus. Luffa acutangula has ten sharp longitudinal ridges on its fruit, while Luffa cylindrica is smooth-skinned. Both can produce dried fibrous sponges, but the ridged gourd is generally preferred for eating due to its texture and flavour.

Question 5

Where in Sri Lanka is Luffa acutangula grown?

Accepted Answer

It is cultivated across Sri Lanka's wet and intermediate zones, most commonly in home gardens and smallholder plots at elevations up to around 1,000 metres. It grows well in the lowland coastal and mid-country regions and is available in markets across the island.

Question 6

Can Luffa acutangula be used as a sponge?

Accepted Answer

When fruits are allowed to mature fully and are then dried, the fibrous interior network can be used as a natural bath or kitchen sponge. This use is more commonly associated with the related species Luffa cylindrica, but Luffa acutangula can produce a similar sponge structure.

Question 7

What does Luffa acutangula look like?

Accepted Answer

It is a fast-growing climbing vine with broad lobed leaves and yellow flowers. The fruits are elongated, typically 20–40 cm long, and marked by ten prominent sharp ridges running along their length. The skin is green when young and turns yellowish-brown as the fruit matures and dries.