Evaluation of Leaf Morpho-Anatomical and Fibre Quality and Characterisation of Luffa Cylindrica (L.) M. Roem. And Luffa Acutangula (L.) Roxb.
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Date
2026-07
Journal Title
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Publisher
Centre for Internationalisation and Strategic Partnership (CISP), University of Ilorin, Nigeria
Abstract
Luffa, a genus of tropical and subtropical vines in the cucumber family, shows
morphological variation influenced by environmental factors. However,
scientific data on the thermal and mechanical properties of Luffa fibres remain
limited. This study investigated the leaf morpho-anatomical characteristics
and fibre quality of Luffa cylindrica and Luffa acutangula, using mature fruits
collected from eight local government areas in Kwara State, Nigeria. Seeds
were cultivated in a randomised complete block design. Morphological
analysis revealed greater variability in L. cylindrica for stem girth, leaf size,
and qualitative traits. Anatomically, both species were amphistomatic, with L.
cylindrica bearing trichomes on both surfaces, unlike L. acutangula.
Mechanical testing showed that L. cylindrica had superior tensile strength,
modulus, flexural strength, and hardness, whereas L. acutangula exhibited
higher impact energy and elongation. These findings suggested L. cylindrica
is better suited for industrial fiber applications, supporting the need for its
cultivation and promotion for commercial use.
Description
Keywords
Luffa cylindrica, Luffa acutangula, Fibre qualit, MEDICINE::Morphology, cell biology, pathology::Morphology::Anatomy