A vine native to India it has found its way across various tropical regions.​ Known for its fibrous fruit, the sponge gourd is a staple in many Asian cuisines, while its myriad other parts serve purposes ranging from cosmetic to medicinal across the globe​. The fibrous network within its fruit, which bears a striking resemblance to a sponge, underpins its primary usage, a trait that has spurred cultivation in most tropical countries worldwide​​. Photographed in the department of Magdalena, Colombia.