A dual purpose gourd, Emerald can be harvested when young for use as a fresh vegetable like cucumber or zucchini, or left to mature for use as a luffa. Our replacement for Miriam Sponge Gourd, Emerald needs trellising to keep its smooth 45-50cm (15-20″) cylindical fruit straight. Fruit becomes very fibrous as it matures and can then be dried for use as a luffa sponge.