Ecballium elaterium, trailing herbaceous plant in the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). The plant is native to the Mediterranean region but has been introduced to other areas as a garden curiosity for its distinctive explosive fruits. Squirting cucumber contains poisonous cucurbitacins, and all parts of the plant can be fatal if ingested. The hairy, rough, thick-stemmed plant may spread out to about 60 cm (about 24 inches) and has yellow bell-shaped flowers. The long-stalked bluish-green fruits are about 4–5 cm (1.6–2 inches) long. Upon reaching maturity, the fruits explosively eject their brown seeds as they detach from the stem; the seeds may travel 3 to 6 meters (about 10 to 20 feet) from the plant.
Ecballium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Cucurbitaceae containing a single species, Ecballium elaterium also called the squirting cucumber or exploding cucumber (not the same plant as Cyclanthera brachystachya). Its unusual common name derives from the ripe fruit squirting a stream of mucilaginous liquid containing its seeds as a means of seed dispersal, an example of rapid plant movement.[rx]
| Squirting cucumber Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Squirting cucumber |
| Scientific Name: | Ecballium elaterium |
| Origin | Mediterranean region |
| Colors | Bluish green |
| Shapes | 4-5 cm (1.6-2 inches) long, oval capsule |
| Taste | Bitter, somewhat acrid |
Squirting cucumber is a perennial plant with a large fleshy root that raises several round and thick stems, branching and trailing. The name “Ecballium elaterium” is derived from the Greek word “ekballein” which means to throw out and the ejection of the seeds from the fruit as it ripens.
It is a fragile vine having small greenish to yellow flowers found in sandy roadsides, marshes, and low woods. The stems from several from the same root and are cylindrical, without tendrils and prostate. Leaves are alternate, heart-shaped. The plant flowers in July. Blooms are symmetrical and bisexual. Male flowers in clusters have bell-shaped and yellow green-veined corollas. Females are monoecious and solitary followed by a small fruit which is elliptical greenish gourd covered with soft triangular prickles. The seeds are black, reticulated, and compressed.
Medicinal Action and Uses
- It promotes the flow of urine and is used to treat dropsy.
- It eliminates effused fluid.
- The herb is helpful for lowering the painful sensation in the neck of the bladder.
- As a purgative, it causes the evacuation of water from the bowels.
- It is used to treat edema related to kidney ailments, rheumatism, heart problems, shingles and paralysis.
- Use it externally for painful joints and sinusitis.
- It treats liver cirrhosis, sinusitis, edema, urinary tract infections.
Side effects
- In minor doses, it may cause the symptoms such as hemorrhages, diarrhea and kidney injuries.
- When used in excessive amounts, it causes gastroenteritis and even death.
- In large doses, it causes vomiting and nausea.
- Not to be used by pregnant women as it can result in abortion.
References
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