Exploding Plants

One of the most entertaining plants that I ever know of is the exploding cucumber, Ecballium elaterium. Found commonly throughout the Mediterranean shores, it explosively discharges a thick fluid that contains its seeds when touched. By explosive, I mean explosive; the jet of goo can sting your face just by its force. It is also distasteful, and irritating as hell when it gets to the eyes.

A favorite childhood game: Opposing players sit around an Ecballium patch with long sticks in their hands and try to prod the right fruits that will go off in the face of their opponent. Remember and try it if you see these plants, it's mighty fun!