aka sponge gourd, Chinese vining okra - this is eaten young like a summer squash.  It has the ability to really absorb the flavors its cooked with.  The plant is a vigorous grower and has climbed onto the roof of our shed.  It opens its yellow super fragrant flowers at dusk.  Left to mature, these gourds will become a loofah sponge.  We are very excited about growing this again next year.