Squirting cucumber Ecballium elaterium
ABOUT
The plant known commonly as the squirting cucumber has a very distinctive appearance due to its unique fruiting behavior. It usually has trailing or climbing stems which help it spread across the ground or up other plants or structures for support. The leaves are hairy and heart-shaped with a lobe at the base, giving them a somewhat ragged appearance. This plant produces yellow, bell-shaped flowers which are followed by unusual fruits. The fruits are quite striking – resembling small, oblong cucumbers with a smooth, green surface. When ripe, these fruits detach and explosively release their seeds along with a stream of mucilaginous liquid, which is how the plant earned its descriptive name. The squirting cucumber's fruits are its most memorable feature, drawing both interest and caution due to their sudden and forceful seed dispersal mechanism. The overall look of the plant might be described as somewhat sprawling or unkempt, with a wild, natural charm.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Cucurbitaceae.
Synonyms
Squirting Cucumber, Exploding Cucumber, Touch-Me-Not, Wild Cucumber, Momordica Elaterium.
Common names
Elaterium cordifolium, Momordica elaterium.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Ecological Role: Squirting cucumber (Ecballium elaterium) supports local ecosystems by providing food for various insects and small animals.
- Soil Improvement: Its growth can help stabilize and improve soil conditions through its root system and natural decomposition.
- Ornamental Use: With its unique squirting mechanism and attractive flowers, squirting cucumber can serve as an interesting ornamental plant in gardens.
- Biodiversity Support: By being a part of the local flora, it contributes to biodiversity, offering habitation and food resources for specific fauna.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers of squirting cucumber attract bees and other pollinators, supporting pollination services for surrounding plants.
- Seed Dispersal Demonstration: The plant's remarkable seed dispersal method is a tool for education and demonstration in botany and ecology.
- Cultural Significance: In some areas, it may hold cultural importance or be used in traditional practices (excluding medical use).
- Water Conservation: Being adapted to Mediterranean climates, it may require less watering compared to other plants, thus conserving water resources.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Ecballium elaterium has been used in traditional medicine due to its potential anti-inflammatory properties.
- Analgesic: It may possess analgesic effects, helping to alleviate pain.
- Antimicrobial: The plant has been investigated for its antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms.
- Mucolytic: It has been used historically as a mucolytic to help in the expulsion of phlegm from the respiratory tract.
- Purgative: Ecballium elaterium has a strong laxative effect and has been used as a purgative.
- Antirheumatic: The juice of the fruit has been used to treat rheumatism.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ecballium elaterium, known as the squirting cucumber, has been used historically as a natural soap due to its saponin content which can create a soap-like lather when mixed with water.
- The juice extracted from the squirting cucumber has been employed as a natural cleanser for delicate fabrics since it is thought to be less harsh than chemical detergents.
- In some cultures, the fruit's explosive dispersal mechanism is studied for educational purposes to explain plant seed dispersal methods in biology classes.
- Professional foragers sometimes collect the squirting cucumber as a component in creating natural dyes as the fruit contains pigments that can stain cloth.
- The plant has been traditionally used to make a type of rennet for cheese making, although it is not very common due to its potentially irritating properties.
- Gardeners may use the squirting cucumber plant as a companion plant to deter certain pests, believing that its bitter taste and potential irritants keep herbivorous insects at bay.
- The plant’s vigorous growth and quick seed dispersal trait are occasionally studied in agricultural research to understand rapid colonization and survival strategies among invasive plant species.
- Dating back to ancient times, the plant's seed pods have been utilized as a source of amusement and entertainment due to their unique squirting action when ripe.
- Creative artists sometimes incorporate the unique shape and mechanics of the squirting cucumber in their artwork or sculptures for its novelty and dynamic qualities.
- Ecballium elaterium has been used in some regions as a natural herbicide, with farmers applying the plant's extracts to fields to inhibit the growth of weeds.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe squirting cucumber is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe squirting cucumber is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Expulsion of Negativity: The Ecballium elaterium, commonly known as the Squirting Cucumber, possesses a unique defensive mechanism where it expels its seeds with a burst of liquid. Symbolically, this action is often interpreted as a representation of letting go of negative influences or emotions, as the plant forcefully removes its seeds from the interior.
- Protection: The squirting mechanism of the Squirting Cucumber also signifies a form of protection. Just as the plant propels its seeds to a distant location for safety, it can represent the idea of creating a safe space or distance from potential harm.
- Sudden Change: Owing to the sudden and unexpected way the seeds are ejected, the Squirting Cucumber can also symbolize abrupt change or the quick release of pent-up energies in a person’s life.
- Catharsis: The dramatic release of the Squirting Cucumber’s seeds can also be viewed as a cathartic process, symbolizing the emotional release and the relief that comes after a period of tension or stress.
- Surprise and Unpredictability: Because the seed ejection occurs with little warning, the Squirting Cucumber can symbolize life’s unpredictable nature and the surprises that may come our way, often without notice.
WaterThe squirting cucumber, or Ecballium elaterium, prefers to be watered moderately, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. It should be watered deeply, allowing water to penetrate several inches into the soil. During active growth, especially in the warmer months, water the plant once every week with approximately 1 gallon per session. Reduce watering in cooler seasons to every two weeks with the same amount. Be cautious of over-watering, as this can lead to root rot.
LightThe squirting cucumber thrives best in full sunlight where it can receive at least six hours of direct sun daily, so place it in a spot that gets ample sunshine. It also tolerates partial shade, but for optimal growth and fruit production, a sunny position is ideal. Avoid locations that are too shaded as this may hinder its development.
TemperatureThe squirting cucumber does well in warmer climates and prefers temperatures ranging between 60°F and 85°F. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 40°F, but frost or prolonged exposure to temperatures below this can be detrimental. The ideal temperature range ensures proper growth and fruiting.
PruningPruning the squirting cucumber is necessary to maintain its shape and remove any dead or diseased growth. It should be pruned lightly at the beginning of the growing season or after the plant has finished fruiting. Pruning too often or too heavily can stress the plant, so limit pruning to when necessary and do so with clean, sharp tools.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Squirting Cucumber (Ecballium elaterium) is well-draining sandy to loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It prefers moderate fertility, so incorporating organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure will improve soil structure and nutrient content.
RepottingSquirting Cucumbers (Ecballium elaterium) typically do not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every two to three years as they are relatively slow growers. However, ensure that the pot has adequate drainage when repotting.
Humidity & MistingSquirting Cucumber (Ecballium elaterium) tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but thrives best in moderate humidity. Avoid overly dry or excessively humid conditions to maintain plant health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Squirting Cucumber in a bright spot with some direct sun.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe squirting cucumber (Ecballium elaterium) begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in the spring under favorable conditions of warmth and moisture. The seedling develops into a prostrate or climbing vine with branching tendrils and heart-shaped leaves, which is characteristic of its vegetative stage. During the flowering stage, typically in late spring or early summer, the plant produces yellow unisexual flowers, with separate male and female flowers occurring on the same plant (monoecy). After successful pollination, often by insects, the flowers develop into peculiar elongated fruits that forcefully eject seeds from the fruit when ripe, hence the name "squirting cucumber." This seed dispersal mechanism occurs during the fruiting stage in late summer to early fall. Following seed dispersal, the plant goes dormant or dies in winter, completing its annual or biennial life cycle depending on the climate.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most common common name for Ecballium elaterium is the squirting cucumber. This plant is generally propagated through seed, with the best time for sowing being spring. Seeds can be sown in pots or trays with well-draining soil mix and should be covered lightly with soil. They require a warm environment, ideally around 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius), and consistent moisture to germinate. The seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and later moved outdoors after the last frost date when they are strong enough to withstand outdoor conditions. Care should be taken during transplantation to avoid disturbing the roots too much.
