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Squirting cucumber, Ecballium elaterium
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Squirting cucumber, Ecballium elaterium
Squirting cucumber or exploding cucumber, Ecballium elaterium. Handcoloured lithograph by Hanhart after a botanical illustration by David Blair from Robert Bentley and Henry Trimens Medicinal Plants, London, 1880
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Media ID 23153170
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Apothecary Bentley Blair Cucumber Exploding Gourd Hanhart Herbal Medicinal Trimen Squirting
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This handcoloured lithograph showcases the unique and intriguing Squirting Cucumber, also known as Ecballium elaterium. The botanical illustration, skillfully created by David Blair and beautifully rendered in lithography by Hanhart, is an exquisite example of Victorian-era botanical art. The Squirting Cucumber, a gourd native to Africa, is renowned for its distinctive ability to eject its seeds when ripe, earning it the nicknames "exploding cucumber" or "squirting gourd." This natural defence mechanism allows the seeds to be dispersed further, increasing their chances of germination and survival. Ecballium elaterium has a long history of medicinal use. The plant's seeds have been used in traditional herbal medicine for various purposes, including as a treatment for intestinal parasites and as a purgative. The seeds contain a potent compound called elaterin, which has been shown to have potential therapeutic applications in modern medicine, particularly in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. This stunning botanical print not only serves as a testament to the beauty and diversity of the natural world but also highlights the importance of plants in both historical and contemporary medicine. The intricate details of the Squirting Cucumber's structure, from its distinctive ridges to its tiny seeds, are brought to life through the masterful use of colour and shading. This image is a must-have for any botanical art collection or for those with an interest in the fascinating world of medicinal plants.
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