Volume 28

Sponge Gourd

Sponge Gourd original: 絲瓜 (sigua), literally "silk gourd." This name refers to the dense, silk-like network of fibers that remains after the fruit has matured and dried., Vegetable Category original: 蔬類 (shulei)

The accompanying woodcut illustration provides a detailed botanical study of the luffa plant (Luffa aegyptiaca). It captures the plant's vigorous climbing habit, showing the characteristic coiled tendrils and deeply lobed, serrated leaves. A large, five-petaled flower—likely a male blossom given its prominence—is shown alongside a young, elongated fruit hanging from the vine.