Ecballium elaterium Squirting cucumber (Cucurbitaceae)

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Ecballium elaterium
Squirting cucumber
(1 Page of 5)

The Ecballium elaterium plant species is found in Europe - Mediterranean. Naturalized in Britain at a few locations along the south coast[17]. It is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Squirting cucumber.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Ecballium elaterium
Common Name:  Squirting cucumber
Family:  Cucurbitaceae
Author:  (L.)A.Rich.

Known Hazards:  Poisonous in large quantities[7] (this probably refers to the fruit). The juice of the fruit is irritative to some skins[148].

Mature Height:  0.3   Mature Width:  1

Habitat:  Hot dry places on waste ground and roadsides[45, 86], usualy close to the coast[7].

Propagation Notes: Seed - sow early spring in rich compost in a greenhouse. Place 2 - 3 seeds per pot and thin to the strongest plant. The seed usually germinates in 10 - 21 days at 25°c[175]. Grow the plants on fast and plant them out after the last expected frosts.

For further Ecballium elaterium gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future