A Natural Mechanism for Effective Seed Dispersal
Researchers at Kiel University in Germany have been studying a small but remarkable plant known as the squirting cucumber (Ecballium elaterium). Though toxic and inedible, this plant possesses a fascinating strategy for seed dispersal: it uses internal pressure to eject seeds at high velocity once the fruit is ripe.
The science behind the explosive launch
Ph.D. student Helen Gorges led a detailed investigation of this phenomenon. By analyzing hundreds of photographs of the plant — some from Turkey, others from Germany — her team found that the fruit consistently aligns at just over 50 degrees from the stem. This positioning enables an optimal launch angle that maximizes distance while minimizing air resistance.
Using high-speed video, the team observed seeds being expelled one by one from the fruit, traveling at nearly 30 miles per hour and reaching distances of up to 40 feet.
Sticky seeds with promising applications
In addition to their ballistic launch, the seeds are coated in a highly adhesive slime. Gorges found that a single dried seed could support weights of up to six pounds. This stickiness may serve a critical role in helping the seeds attach to animals or surfaces for further transport.
Scientists believe that these findings could inspire innovative solutions in materials science — from seed-dispersing soft robots to moisture-sensitive adhesives used in drug delivery systems. The ability of these seeds to change adhesion based on humidity opens new possibilities for designing materials that respond to environmental conditions.
This small plant’s powerful dispersal system may soon have an impact far beyond its natural habitat.
