Sponge Gourd (Bhul-ভোল)

Sponge gourd, scientifically known as Luffa cylindrica, is a tropical and subtropical vine belonging to the cucumber family, Cucurbitaceae. It produces long, cylindrical fruits that are often harvested young for consumption as a vegetable. When mature, the fibrous network inside the fruit can be dried and used as a natural sponge for scrubbing and cleaning, hence its name "sponge gourd". The plant itself has large, lobed leaves and produces yellow flowers that develop into the elongated fruits. It is widely cultivated in Asia and Africa for both culinary and practical purposes.