Loofah is a perennial herbaceous drought-tolerant plant that is suitable for growing in sandy and sandy loam soils. It grows plump and looks a bit like a loofah, so people in rural areas often call it "di shao hua" or "milk gourd".
Loofah picture
In the vast rural areas of Northeast China, North China, Northwest China, and the Jiangnan region, you can find its figure in sandy beaches, forest edges, grasslands, wastelands, slopes, and fields.
Loofah is common in the north but rare or even nonexistent in the south. It is a drought-tolerant plant that generally grows in the grass vegetation of typical grasslands. It usually grows on sandy and gravelly soils and can be found in abandoned land or field edges in rural areas.
The appearance of loofah is quite interesting. It looks peculiar, resembling a water drop, with gradually tapering ends and a relatively swollen middle, like a spindle-shaped body.
Loofah picture
The stem of loofah is relatively slender, but it has a soft texture and low degree of lignification. Some livestock also like to eat loofah, such as goats, camels, and sheep.
Loofah is nutritionally balanced and can be used as both food and medicine. It grows vigorously and is less susceptible to diseases and pests. Therefore, it is regarded as a green food and nutritious vegetable. It has been eaten raw since ancient times, and it can also be washed and cold mixed for a more delicious taste, which is deeply loved by local residents.
Loofah can be eaten when it is tender, but not when it is slightly older. When it matures and breaks open, it will release flying fluff similar to dandelions. Its slender stem and low degree of lignification make it soft and beneficial for livestock to feed on.
Loofah picture
When loofah is fresh, it is favored by camels, goats, and sheep, especially its tender and juicy pods. After it dries up and loses its leaves, its palatability decreases slightly.
From a chemical composition perspective, loofah has a high nutritional value. Its protein content is close to that of alfalfa and is equivalent to wheat bran. It is also rich in crude fat and ash content.
Especially the calcium content is relatively high, close to the level of general leguminous forage grasses, and there is very little indigestible nutrient crude fiber. Not only does loofah have a relatively rich protein content, but the quality of its protein is also good.
