Ecballium
(from ekballein, to cast out; the seeds are violently ejected form the ripe fruit). Squirting Cucumber. ORD. Cucurbitaceae. A hardy annual. For cultivation, see Gourds.
E. Elaterium (squirting). fl. yellow, on erect bracteate peduncles. June. fr. green, expelling the seeds when ripe. l. cordate, somewhat lobed, crenate-toothed, on long petioles. Stems dwarf, without tendrils. Mediterranean region, 1548. Plant scabrous, hispid, and glaucescent; trailer. The drug known as Elaterium (a powerful cathartic) is procured from this plant. SYN. Momordica Elaterium. (B. M. 1914.)