Luffa acutangula, commonly known as angled luffa or Chinese okra, is an annual vine that belongs to the cucumber family. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of central and eastern Asia, including India, Pakistan, and parts of Southeast Asia, where it thrives in open woodlands and forest edges with warm temperatures. The plant can reach lengths of up to 30 feet (9 meters) under ideal conditions, with large, yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. The fruit is elongated with pronounced ridges, resembling a ridged cucumber or zucchini, and is typically harvested when immature for culinary use. Mature fruits become fibrous and are processed into natural cleaning sponges known as loofahs.

Angled luffa is valued for its edible young fruits, which are used in a variety of Asian cuisines. It is also grown ornamentally for its attractive flowers and interesting fruit form. In cultivation, it requires a trellis or support to climb, full sun, and regular watering to thrive. It prefers well-drained soils and can be grown in containers as a houseplant in colder climates. While it is not particularly prone to diseases, it can attract common pests such as aphids and cucumber beetles. Due to its vigorous growth, it can become invasive outside its native range, so caution is advised when planting in areas where it may spread uncontrollably.CC BY-SA 4.0