Gisuri
(Loofa acutangula)
Other Names: Luffa, Ridged gourd, Turai, Jhingey, Patola, Silk gourd, Silk squash, Sing qua
Description:
Gisuri plant is a long vine that can grow to 10 m long. The leaves are 5 to 10 cm, the flowers are yellow and the gisuri can grow up to 30 cm long and 5-6 cm wide.
Uses:
The green gisuri is chopped into cubes and used to make curries or thinly sliced and used to make bhajias. In the west it is left to ripen on the plant, dried and used as a sponge for washing!
Health:
The vegetable is high in dietery fibre.
Climate:
Gisuri is sub-tropical and prefers warm, dry sunny conditions.
Soil:
Gisuri, like other gourds like light, well-drained soil, but will settle for less. Ideal pH range is 5.8-6.2.
Propagation:
From seed. It needs a warm humid environment, the seeds should start germinating within 5 to 10 days. |
