Ecballium

Ecballium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Cucurbitaceae, commonly known as the squirting cucumber or exploding cucumber. It is native to Europe, northern Africa, and temperate areas of Asia. The only species in the genus is Ecballium elaterium.

Description

Ecballium elaterium is a perennial plant that grows to 0.6 m (2ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by bees. The plant is self-fertile.

Uses

The fruit of Ecballium elaterium has been used in traditional medicine for its purgative properties. It has also been used in the treatment of sinusitis.

Toxicity

The plant is toxic and can cause severe irritation to the skin and mucous membranes.

Cultivation

Ecballium elaterium prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

See also

• Cucurbitaceae
• Traditional medicine
• Sinusitis

Ecballium Resources
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