Squirting cucumber (Ecballium elaterium), trailing herbaceous plant in the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). The plant is native to the Mediterranean region but has been introduced
Squirting cucumber (Ecballium elaterium), trailing herbaceous plant in the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). The plant is native to the Mediterranean region but has been introduced to other areas as a garden curiosity for its distinctive explosive fruits. Squirting cucumber contains poisonous cucurbitacins, and all parts of the plant can be fatal if ingested.
The hairy, rough, thick-stemmed plant may spread out to about 60 cm (about 24 inches) and has yellow bell-shaped flowers. The long-stalked bluish green fruits are about 4–5 cm (1.6–2 inches) long. Upon reaching maturity, the fruits explosively eject their brown seeds as they detach from the stem; the seeds may travel 3 to 6 metres (about 10 to 20 feet) from the plant.
Before we delve into the plant’s historical usage, let’s be clear that squirting cucumber contains high levels of cucurbitacins, which can be fatal if ingested. That said, the bitter cucurbitacin was cultivated in England and Malta into the nineteenth century to control worms. It has been used as a medicinal plant for over 2,000 years with explosive effects upon the human body worthy of its name. Apparently, the more benign effects treat rheumatism, paralysis, and cardiac disease. The root is said to be an analgesic and topically squirting cucumber was used to treat shingles, sinusitis, and painful joints. However, the more volatile effects are purgative and abortive. Large doses have caused gastro enteritis and death. At any rate, modern herbalists do not utilize squirting cucumber at this juncture nor should you.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article is for educational and gardening purposes only. Before using ANY herb or plant for medicinal purposes, please consult a physician or a medical herbalist for advice.
Ecballium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Cucurbitaceae containing a single species, Ecballium elaterium, also called the squirting cucumber or exploding cucumber (but not to be confused with Cyclanthera explodens). It gets its unusual name from the fact that, when ripe, it squirts a stream of mucilaginous liquid containing its seeds, which can be seen with the naked eye. It is thus considered to have rapid plant movement.
It is native to Europe, northern Africa, and temperate areas of Asia. It is grown as an ornamental plant elsewhere, and in some places it has naturalized.
It is suspected to provide food for the caterpillars of the tortrix moth Phtheochroa rugosana.
This plant, and especially its fruit, is poisonous, containing cucurbitacins. In the ancient world it was considered to be an abortifacient.
Elaterium or elaterin is the name of the greenish substance extracted from the juice of the fruit that is used as a purgative.
We ship worldwide from the European Union via registered mail with delivery confirmation.
To find your tracking number, log in to your account and go to Order History > Details.
Global tracking: 17Track
For tracking numbers like RGxxxxxxHR: Posta.hr tracking
🕒 Note: Tracking information becomes available up to 24 hours after your order is shipped.
Cash on delivery is not available.
Regularly check your spam/junk email folder for notifications.
All inquiries must be submitted via our contact form on the website.
Messages sent via regular email may not be received.
Always include your mobile phone number with international dialing code.
Example for Hungary: +36 20 123 4567
Registered shipments require a signature from the recipient.
We do NOT deliver:
to P.O. boxes
to neighbors
if you are not home to receive the package
📬 If a P.O. box address is provided and the package is lost or undeliverable, it will not be refunded.
If your package is returned to us:
You will be charged €2 for return shipping
You are responsible for reshipping costs as well
If tracking shows the package is still with the sender, it means it is in transit.
Contact your local post office with the tracking number for updates.
We are not a postal service and cannot track your package for you.
We are not responsible for shipping delays.
🔍 We can only start an investigation into a lost shipment 30 days after the dispatch date.
| Type of Delivery | Processing Time | Insured | Possible Delays | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 7–10 business days | ❌ | 7–14 days | Basic shipping option |
| Priority | 1–7 business days | ❌ | 3–10 days | Faster processing, not faster shipping |
| Insured | 1–7 business days | ✅ | 3–10 days | Refund if the package is lost (up to €150) |
🕒 Estimated Delivery Time:
Within the EU: 3–20 days
Worldwide: 5–30 days
Example delivery times to the USA: 27, 22, 19, 17, 13 days
Always include your order reference (e.g., SGS-19811702) in the payment description.
If we cannot match your payment to your order, it may cause delays or cancellation.
Orders are automatically canceled if payment is not received within 7 days.
We accept EUR currency only via PayPal.
Please change your currency to Euro during checkout.
Visit: Exotic Seeds Store
We accept: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, CB, Diners Club, Discover, China UnionPay, JCB, etc.
💡 Buyers are responsible for all transaction fees. Please send us your transaction details so we can process your order promptly.
Orders are not processed or shipped on Saturdays or Sundays.
Always check the Important Notices on our website before placing an order (e.g., holiday schedules, special conditions).
📫 For any questions, please use only the contact form on our website.
Emails sent outside of this form will not be received.
