Elaterium

Elaterium

The term elaterium means a fruit that is divided into as many distinct pieces as there are lodges, gathered around the central columella, which persists after the pieces have fallen.
The elaterium is similar to a schizocarp from which it differs due to its particular dehiscence (Ricinus communis L.).
There are other fruits of the Euphorbiaceae which have characteristics similar to the elaterium (Ecbalium and Impatiens); these open abruptly thus operating the spear of the seeds at a distance (explosive dehiscence).
The term of Elaterium also means the donkey watermelon (Ecballium elaterium), from whose fruit elaterina is extracted.