Smooth Loofah, Luffa Aegyptiaca, Gourd Seeds Smooth Loofah is a fast growing annual vine that can grow more than 30 feet. It produces pretty yellow flowers and strange looking fruits that are edible when immature and used as back scrubbers or sponges when fully mature. The large lobed leaves have silvery patches on the topsides. The yellow flowers are showy, 2 to 3 inches across with five petals. The fruits are green, cylindrical and smooth (Cucumber shaped), up to 24 inches long and 3 inches in diameter. When fully mature, the outer skin of the fruits eventually dries and turns brown and papery. Loofahs only need a sunny warm spot, water and something to climb on. Once the vines reach 6 to 10 feet, they start producing male flowers. Shortly after, they start producing female flowers which can be recognized by the enlarged ovary at the base of the petals. The ovary will become the fruit if the flower gets pollinated. Smooth Loofah is grown throughout most of Asia for food and for pot scrubbers. It is a very popular vegetable in China. In addition to the immature fruits, the Chinese also eat the young shoots, leaves and flower buds. Fried gourd flowers are a delicacy and the raw flowers are a nice addition to tossed salads.