The “explosive plants”, also called Peashooteroccupy a special place in the varied plant world: in fact, they possess the singular ability to disperse seeds with an almost violent force, using a process known as ballistic dispersion or explosive dehiscenceaimed at the reproduction of the plant itself.
Let’s see 10 plants that have this incredible ability.
Dynamite tree (Hura crepitans)
Let’s start with the “dynamite tree”, one of the most impressive explosive plants in the world. Native to the tropical regions of America, it is a tall and majestic tree, which has a bark covered with thorns containing a highly toxic sap. What makes it a true wonder of nature is the fruit: when ripe, it explodes with a bang, throwing the seeds at a distance of up to 100 metres. Both the power of the explosion and the speed with which the seeds are launched are impressive.
Don’t touch me (Impatiens capensis)
Small and delicate, plants of the Impatiens genus hide an explosive secret. Commonly called “touch me nots” due to the sensitivity of their pods, at the slightest contact they activate a self-defense mechanism that triggers a mini-explosion: the seeds are dispersed rapidly, in all directions. The natural habitat, often near waterways, allows the seeds to also travel through water, thus multiplying the possibilities of colonizing new territories.
Crackling plant (Ruellia tuberosa)
Also known as popping pod, Ruellia tuberosa is a plant that never fails to amaze those lucky enough to observe it. The singularity lies in the pods, which explode when they come into contact with water, scattering seeds all around. This phenomenon makes the plant particularly fun to observe on rainy days, when the seeds are catapulted at great speed, using the humidity to propagate.
Sorrel (Oxalis)
Wood sorrel, a very common plant in gardens, may seem completely harmless at first glance, but don’t be fooled. Some species, such as Oxalis stricta, use ballistic dispersal to launch seeds away from the mother plant: the process occurs when the seed pods dry out and suddenly open, then scatter the seeds in every direction, with great force and speed.
Donkey watermelon (Ecballium elaterium)
Native to the Mediterranean, Ecballium elaterium owes its fame to the fruits which, at the slightest contact, spray a liquid containing the seeds. We must underline that the dispersion mechanism has drawbacks, and care must be taken: the liquid that is expelled can cause skin irritation and, in extreme cases, even blindness if it ends up in the eyes.
Hairy bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta)
A species belonging to the Brassicaceae family, it is a small plant that hides great explosive potential. The pods split open with such force that the seeds are thrown meters away, a process fueled by heat and dryness, which ensures dispersal over a noticeable radius, contributing to rapid spread in humid and temperate environments.
Euphorbia mellifera
Euphorbia mellifera, also with exploding fruits to launch seeds a great distance, is another extraordinary example of plant ingenuity. Originally from the Canary Islands, it is cultivated in many areas of the world due to its aesthetic qualities, and is particularly appreciated as an ornamental plant. The uniqueness obviously lies in the seed dispersal mechanism: the fruits, when ripe, transform into real “vegetable bombs”, capable of hurling the seeds everywhere with great precision.
Dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium)
Dwarf mistletoe, a tree parasite, also uses an explosive technique to propagate. The fruits, small and sticky, explode at the slightest touch, launching seeds that adhere to nearby trees, giving rise to a mechanism as effective as it is spectacular, which allows rapid diffusion. Its slow but inexorable growth makes it one of the most difficult hosts to eliminate from coniferous forests.
Pansy (Viola tricolor)
Very famous for their qualities such as delicacy and beauty, violets hide a secret: when the seed pods dry out, they explode, throwing the seeds away from the mother plant. A seemingly simple, but incredibly effective process that not everyone is aware of.
Firecracker plant (Crossandra infundibuliformis)
Native to Sri Lanka and India, Crossandra infundibuliformis gets its name from the way its seed pods, when wet, burst like little firecrackers. The process in question, activated by water, guarantees efficient dispersion during the rainy season, which will allow the seeds to find fertile ground to germinate.
