Natural loofah sponges actually come from the fruits of vine-growing Luffa plants. These plants are part of the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae) making them relatives of watermelons, cucumbers and ...

Some are not even edible at all. These gourd/squash varieties are more appetizing than others: Luffa (or loofah), also known as sponge gourd or rag gourd Calabash, also known as bottle gourd ...

so allow them space to spread or use a trellis to allow gourd plants to grow vertically. Growing luffa, dipper and bottle gourds on a trellis will assure that these gourds will grow straight.