The Squirting Cucumber is native to the Mediterranean region, although it has been naturalised in Brazil and other warm countries.
Luci Iris Faer
With a funny name and a questionable history in folk and modern medicine, the Squirting Cucumber is indeed a plant for interesting debates.
Its name is a literal description of the plant’s fruits that look like tiny cucumbers, which upon touch they “explode” and squirt their seeds. In Cyprus up until recently, children used to spend hours simply plucking the fruits and squeezing them.
In folk medicine, the Squirting Cucumber was highly esteemed as a natural remedy for a number of ailments; its use goes 2000 years in the past. The internal application of the plant aimed at treating heart and kidney problems, constipation, rheumatism and paralysis. Externally, it was used for sinusitis and joint pain.
However, the toxic cucurbitacins contained in the Squirting Cucumber can have violent adverse effects on the body and therefore the plant is not longer popular or encouraged by modern herbal medicine. In fact, misuse of the plant can cause gastro-enteritis and even lead to death, while other less severe symptoms include pharynx edema, dispnea, dysphagia, vomiting, conjunctivitis and more.
When ingested by pregnant women, the Squirting Cucumber can even lead to a miscarriage. The plants juice is also a skin irritable – especially those with sensitive type.
In conclusion, no matter how fun this odd fella might be, it’s best to stir away from it and remove it, since it is a vine and will keep on spreading!
Learn more about the Squirting Cucumber in the links below:
Ecballium elaterium – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Ecballium elaterium Squirting Cucumber PFAF Plant Database
Ecballium elaterium | squirting cucumber Herbaceous Perennial/RHS Gardening
Ecballium elaterium – Plant Finder
Luci Iris Faer’s 