Hello, Could any one please help me with the identification of http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a53/Lewana/creeper.jpgthis creeper. It grows all over on the banks of the Niger River in Niger/Westafrica. The local people told me that the fruit is not edible but when it dries it has a "luffa-like" consistancy and is therefore used as a sponge for bathing. It also has a yellow flower. Many thanks in advance Helmi PS Can anybody explain to me how I insert my image diretly into this post. For now I provided a clickable link.
Hello Lewana, Here is the How To for posting attachments: http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=725 Looks like some type of Cucurbitaceae.
Thanks, Eric for your quick reply. I also figured out that this gourd belongs to this plant family.When I googled Cucurbitaceae I learned that this plant family comprises about 90 genera and 700 species, my heart sanka bit. I am living in Westafrica and my Internet time is very limited and slow to boot - so I won't have a chance to identify this plant exactely for now. Pity, there are no libraries here either to help with the identifiation of so many plants I come across here in Niger. Such is life in a fourth world country. Cheers from Niamey L
Hi Lewana, the pictured plant looks like Luffa aegyptiaca. You will surely find lots of pictures with Google. Best regards, Marco
Dear Marco, many thanks for your help. I am sure I will need a lot more help in future as I continue to explore the flora and fauna in Niger. Unfortunately there are very few books available about the botany of the Sahel... Therefore your reply was all the more appreciated by me and my mates who share the same interests. Regards Helmi
