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balloonvine
Scientific Name: Cardiospermum
Family: Sapindaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Balloon Vine: A Whimsical Climber
The Balloon Vine, known for its distinctive inflated seed pods, is an intriguing plant with a variety of common names and a reputation for vigorous growth. This profile explores its characteristics, distribution, and potential considerations for your garden.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- The plant produces seed pods that resemble paper lanterns, which may be attractive to children and pets.
- The plant is a climbing vine with tendrils, which can potentially entangle small animals or children.
- The seed pod is noted as "NOT edible".
Common and Scientific Names
- Scientific Name: Cardiospermum halicacabum and Cardiospermum grandiflorum
- Common Names: Balloon Vine, Love in a Puff, Heartseed, Heartseed Vine, Heart-pea
- Other Names: Bolsilla (Cardiospermum corindum), F?sen Kazura (Japanese)
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Sapindaceae (Soapberry Family)
- Cardiospermum means "heart seed" (cardio = heart, sperma = seed)
- Cardiospermum halicacabum is sometimes referred to as "small balloon vine."
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to tropical and subtropical Africa and America.
- In the USA, it can grow from west Texas north to Montana, and from Florida north to Massachusetts.
Ecological Role and Invasiveness
- Classified as an invasive species in some regions.
- In Queensland, Australia, Cardiospermum grandiflorum is a declared pest under Queensland legislation.
- It can form a thick curtain of stems in the tops of trees, excluding light and potentially harboring pests and diseases.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Herbaceous climber, sometimes slightly woody.
- Can grow to 10 meters (over 30 feet) or higher.
- Stems are sprawling and trailing, much-branched, and sometimes covered with stiff hairs when young.
- Leaves are compound, with leaflets arranged in three groups of three. Leaflets are thin and light green.
- Climbs via tendrils that twirl around supporting structures.
Uses and Benefits
- In India, the leaves are used as the base of some Indian dishes.
- Balloon Vine Extract contains phytosterols, flavonoids, and terpenes and is used in some skincare products.