Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Cucurbitales
Genus:
Species:
elaterium
ID:
659893

Status:
valid

Authors:
(L.) A.Rich.

Source:
cmp

Year:
1824

Citation Micro:
Dict. Class. Hist. Nat. 6: 19 (1824)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000659225



Common Names

  • Ecballium elaterium
  • Squirting Cucumber
  • Exploding Cucumber
  • Elater's Ecballium


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Synonyms

  • Momordica aspera Lam. [unknown]
  • Momordica officinarum-elaterium Crantz [unknown]
  • Momordica elastica Salisb. [unknown]
  • Momordica elaterium L. [unknown]
  • Momordica ecirrhata Stokes [unknown]
  • Bryonia elaterium E.H.L.Krause [unknown]
  • Cucumis agrestis Rchb. [unknown]
  • Ecballium agreste Rchb. [unknown]
  • Ecballium officinale T.Nees [unknown]
  • Ecballium officinarum Rich. ex M.Roem. [unknown]
  • Ecballium purgans Schrad. [unknown]
  • Elaterium cordifolium Moench [unknown]

Description

Ecballium elaterium (also called Ecballium, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Cucurbitaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Africa and Asia. It grows in open forests, scrub, and grasslands, often on rocky hillsides.

Uses & Benefits

Ecballium elaterium has been used as a medicinal plant for centuries. It has been used to treat various ailments such as headaches, fever, and stomach problems. It is also used as an insect repellent and to make a natural dye.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Ecballium elaterium sub. dioicum (Batt.) Costich

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Ecballium elaterium is a small, white and yellow star-shaped flower with five petals. The seed is a small, black, oval-shaped seed. The seedlings are small, green and have a single, oval-shaped leaf.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Ecballium elaterium can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained, sandy soil mix and kept moist until germination. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants and placed in a well-drained, sandy soil mix. Keep the soil moist and provide bright, indirect light.

Where to Find Ecballium elaterium

Ecballium elaterium can be found in the Mediterranean region, from Portugal to Turkey.

Ecballium elaterium FAQ

What is the scientific name of Ecballium elaterium?

Ecballium elaterium

What is the common name of Ecballium elaterium?

Squirting cucumber

What is the family of Ecballium elaterium?

Cucurbitaceae

Species in the Ecballium genus

Species in the Cucurbitaceae family

Abobra tenuifolia, Acanthosicyos horridus, Actinostemma lobatum, Actinostemma parvifolium, Actinostemma tenerum, Alsomitra macrocarpa, Ampelosicyos humblotii, Ampelosicyos major, Ampelosicyos meridionalis, Ampelosicyos scandens, Ampelosicyos bosseri, Ampelosicyos leandrii, Ampelosycios meridionalis, Ampelosycios scandens, Apodanthera anatuyana, Apodanthera argentea, Apodanthera aspera, Apodanthera biflora, Apodanthera bradei, Apodanthera cinerea, Apodanthera eriocalyx, Apodanthera fasciculata, Apodanthera ferreyrana, Apodanthera glaziovii, Apodanthera hindii, Apodanthera hirtella, Apodanthera laciniosa, Apodanthera linearis, Apodanthera mandonii, Apodanthera mathewsii, Apodanthera palmeri, Apodanthera sagittifolia, Apodanthera smilacifolia, Apodanthera succulenta, Apodanthera tumbeziana, Apodanthera ulei, Apodanthera undulata, Apodanthera villosa, Apodanthera weberbaueri, Apodanthera longipedicellata, Austrobryonia argillicola, Austrobryonia centralis, Austrobryonia micrantha, Austrobryonia pilbarensis, Baijiania borneensis, Baijiania taiwaniana, Baijiania decipiens, Baijiania smitinandii, Bambekea racemosa, Bayabusua clarkei,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-2780660: Based on the initial data import
Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'L.' in the authors string.
Achille Richard (1794-1852): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'A.Rich.' in the authors string.