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showy balloonvine

Scientific Name: Cardiospermum grandiflorum

Family: Sapindaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Vine, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Balloon Vine (Cardiospermum halicacabum)

Balloon vine, also known as heart seed vine or love-in-a-puff, is a fascinating perennial plant with a global distribution. While its flowers are small and not particularly showy, it's best known for its distinctive, inflated seed capsules that resemble balloons.

Common Names

  • Balloon Vine
  • Heart Seed Vine
  • Love-in-a-Puff
  • Heart Pea

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cardiospermum halicacabum
  • Family: Sapindaceae
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Synonyms:
    • Cardiospermum hirsutum
    • Cardiospermum microcarpum
  • Taxonomy Author: Sw.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is a vine that uses tendrils to climb and wrap around structures.
  • Produces inflated seed capsules.
  • Contains heart-shaped seeds.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant is a vine that uses tendrils to climb and wrap around structures.
  • Produces inflated seed capsules.
  • Contains heart-shaped seeds.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and America.
  • Historically indigenous to the Bermudas, Florida, and Texas.
  • Can be found growing in damp situations, often near river banks.

Ecological Role

  • Cardiospermum grandiflorum (Showy Balloon Vine) is considered an invasive species in some areas.
  • Can negatively impact biodiversity by competing with native plants and degrading habitats.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Perennial woody vine.
  • Rapid growth rate.
  • Reaches up to 10 feet in height.
  • Uses tendrils to climb.
  • Small, white flowers that bloom from summer through fall.
  • Distinctive, inflated seed capsules resembling balloons or lanterns.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The plant is a nectar source and host plant for the silver-banded hairstreak butterfly.

Further Information

  • Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)
  • uBio
  • Atlas of Living Australia

Quirky Facts

  • The inflated green seed pods give the plant its common name, "Love-in-a-Puff" or "Balloon Vine," rather than its small white flowers.