Vietnamese gourd (Luffa cylindrica) at a door near B Ring Road in Al Doha Al Jadeeda neighborhood. Doha, Qatar, January 31, 2014Bryonia cheirophylla, Cucumis acutangulus, Cucumis lineatus, Cucumis megacarpus, Cucumis pentandrus, Luffa acutangula, Luffa aegyptiaca, Luffa arabum, Luffa cattu-picinna, Luffa clavata, Luffa cordata, Luffa hederacea, Luffa insularum, Luffa jacquinii, Luffa leiocarpa, Luffa leucosperma, Luffa luffa, Luffa parvala, Luffa pentandra, Luffa petola, Luffa racemosa, Luffa satpatia, Luffa scabra, Luffa striata, Luffa subangulata, Luffa veitchii, Luffa vittata, Melothria touchanensis, Momordica carinata, Momordica cylindrica, Momordica luffa, Momordica operculata, Momordica reticulata, Poppya fabiana, Turia cordata, Turia cylindrica, Turia sativa
Dishrag gourd, Vietnamese gourd
Some of pictures may show different species.
Luffa cylindrica, also known as the sponge gourd or Egyptian cucumber, is a vining plant native to tropical Africa and Asia. In Qatar, it has been found to be naturalized in some areas, particularly in gardens and farms where it is cultivated for its edible fruit and useful fibers. The plant's presence in Qatar suggests introduction through human activity, likely for agricultural purposes. Its ability to thrive in the country's hot and dry climate indicates a degree of adaptability.
Vietnamese gourd (Luffa cylindrica) at a door near B Ring Road in Al Doha Al Jadeeda neighborhood. Doha, Qatar, January 31, 2014
Climbing dishrag gourd (Luffa cylindrica) at a corner of Ziyad Bin Eyad Street in Al Doha Al Jadeeda neighborhood. Doha, Qatar, January 31, 2014
Dishrag gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca, Luffa cylindrica) near Zubara exit of Al Shamal Road. Northern Qatar, April 3, 2014
Flower of dishrag gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca, Luffa cylindrica) near Zubara exit of Al Shamal Road. Northern Qatar, April 3, 2014
Leaves of dishrag gourd (Luffa cylindrica)(?) on Umm Wishad Street in Musheirib area. Doha, Qatar, April 18, 2014
Dishrag gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca, Luffa cylindrica) in area of West Bay. Doha, Qatar, November 27, 2014
Dishrag gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca, Luffa cylindrica) in West Bay, in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, December 20, 2014
Dishrag gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca, Luffa cylindrica) near a central pole of one of fields on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, October 9, 2015
Dry fruits of dishrag gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca, Luffa cylindrica) near a central pole of one of fields on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, October 9, 2015
Dishrag gourd (Luffa cylindrica)(?) on roadside of Salwa Road near Mukaynis. Qatar, November 27, 2015
Dishrag gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca, Luffa cylindrica) at Al Jassasiya Street in Musheirib neighborhood. Doha, Qatar, December 25, 2015Observations of Luffa cylindrica in Qatar showed the plant growing in various locations, including near roads and in urban areas. It was spotted climbing up doors and corners in Al Doha Al Jadeeda neighborhood, and its flowers were observed near Zubara exit of Al Shamal Road. The plant was also found on Corniche in West Bay, Umm Wishad Street in Musheirib area, and in Onaiza area. In addition, it was seen growing in fields on Green Circles in Irkhaya Farms, where dry fruits were also observed. The plant's presence was noted throughout the year, from January to December, indicating its adaptability to Qatar's climate. Its growth was observed in different parts of Doha, including Al Jassasiya Street and Salwa Road near Mukaynis.
www.catalogueoflife.org
QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.