Students will be introduced to the uses of the gourd and obtain insight about a component of nature. Gourds have been cultivated and used by man for centuries. Gourds are inedible fruits closely related to squashes, pumpkins, cucumbers and melon. They grow wild in the Americas, Asia, Africa and the Pacific Regions.
Gourds grow in various colors, shapes and textures.
The plants are viney, have large lobed leaves and the flowers are usually yellow. The luffa is popular in America. The fruit is full of fibers that make a dishcloth or bath sponge which smells sweet and clean. Very young luffa gourds are among the few gourds that can be eaten. All other gourds are used or raised for ornamental or utility purposes.