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. The research was presented by Helen Gorges at Society for Experimental Biology Annual Conference in Antwerp.

Seed dispersal comes in many forms, and much is known about animal, wind and water-assisted dispersal – but less is known about the self-propelled dispersal mechanisms of plants. One of these is the ballistic dispersal of the squirting cucumber, which uses high-pressure explosions to eject its seeds at high speed across large distances.

The lead researcher, Helen Gorges, is a PhD student specialising in functional morphology and biomechanics at Kiel University. Here she uses cutting-edge imaging technologies like high-speed videography and micro-CT scanning to understand rapid plant movements.