The luffa `` sponge '' , also spelled `` loofah '' , which is commonly sold for use in the kitchen or the shower , is not derived from an animal but mainly from the fibrous `` skeleton '' of the sponge gourd ( `` Luffa aegyptiaca '' , Cucurbitaceae ) .
The luffa `` sponge '' , also spelled `` loofah '' , which is commonly sold for use in the kitchen or the bath , is not derived from an animal but from the fibrous `` skeleton '' of a gourd ( Cucurbitaceae ) .