What is the correct name for loofah?

Loofah is the generic term for an exfoliating sponge and Luffa is the botanical name of the plant with different varieties of Luffa available. Other people call them loofa, sponge gourd, vegetable sponge or even dishcloth gourd.

Loofah  |  Luffa  |   Loofa   |  Sponge Gourd  |   Vegetable Sponge  |  Dishcloth Sponge

Some varieties are great for eating like the angled luffa (Luffa acutangula) and some are best for sponges like the smooth variety (Luffa aegyptiaca or Luffa cylindrica).