Behind the ballistics of the 'explosive' squirting cucumber

Behind the ballistics of the 'explosive' squirting cucumber

New research into the biomechanics of explosive seed dispersal in squirting cucumbers (Ecballium elaterium) reveals how these plants have adapted a suite of unique traits that help propel their high-speed seeds far and wide.

Watch an exploding cucumber go ballistic

Squirting cucumber explosive seed dispersal (over 300x slowed down). Credit: Helen Gorges (CC BY-NC-ND) The squirting cucumber (Ecballium elaterium) ejects high-speed explosions from its tip, spreading seeds far and wide. I swear I’m not being appropriate. These are real plants that exist on Earth. “Many factors have to interact perfectly to disperse the seeds in the most efficient way, while not destroying the whole plant too early,” says Helen…

This "explosive" squirting cucumber can launch seeds at nearly 30 mph!

Researchers have uncovered an astonishing mechanism of seed dispersal in nature: the squirting cucumber. This plant, Ecballium, boasts an extraordinary method of ejecting seeds over considerable distances, with a new study from Kiel University in Germany providing deeper insight into the process. The mature squirting cucumber fruits are packed with thick liquid, creating significant internal [...] The post This “explosive” squirting cucumber can…

The science behind why cucumbers are getting longer

Cucumbers, a summer staple of salads and sandwiches, are a valuable commercial crop. They also have a less well-known role as valuable model plants which are helping researchers to extend the boundaries of genomic discovery. A research collaboration between the John Innes Centre and the Chinese Academy…