The squirting cucumber, Ecballium elaterium, can eject its seeds at speeds up to 66 feet per second, a remarkable adaptation that allows it to disperse in barren environments.
Chris Thorogood explained that 'when they're ripe, they eject their seeds very violently in a stream of mucilage,' underscoring the unique and dynamic nature of this dispersal method.
In studying the squirting cucumber, researchers found that the fruit detaches and rotates backward, dramatically influencing the trajectory and speed of seed dispersal during the ejecting process.
Finn Box highlighted a surprising complexity in the seed ejection mechanism, saying, 'Initially we all thought it was rather straightforward,' revealing the intricate dynamics involved.
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