Ecballium elaterium
Family: Cucurbitaceae
TOXIC
Perennial vine, annual in very cold places. Native to the Mediterranean.
In nature, the ripe cucumber disseminates its seed by forcibly ejecting
a mucilagenous juice along with the seeds. This juice, known as Elatarin,
is a strong laxative. The fruits are picked just prior to ripeness
and allowed to naturally eject their juice, which is collected on clean
muslin. The dried flakes are an efficient cathartic, but quite
dangerous if taken too frequently or in too high of dosage. Clearly
not for use during pregnancy. The bell-shaped, yellow-green
flowers and the prickly fruit are handsome, and the process by which the
plant spreads its seed (endosmosis) is really quite fascinating. Cultivation:
Easy. Start in pots or in hills in the garden. Likes rich soil,
full sun and plenty of water.
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