#gomphocarpus physocarpus

[venus-garden]

Gomphocarpus physocarpus

[rattyexplores]

Balloonplant

The foodplant which the Monarch Butterfly caterpillars were feeding on. Keep an eye out for this plant in the Sydney area!

Gomphocarpus physocarpus

24/03/23 - NSW, Dapto

[thistransient]

[lovecraftsgarden]

Gomphocarpus physocarpus

Balloonplant, Bishop’s Balls, Nailhead

(via)

[byellesantos]

Botanical name: Gomphocarpus physocarpus Family: Apocynaceae Common name(s): Balloon plant, balloon cotton bush, balloon milkweed, swan plant, bishop’s balls, cotton bush Origin / Habitat: Native to southern and south eastern Africa (South Africa, Mozambique, Eswatini). Found in grasslands, roadsides, and disturbed sites Plant type: Herbaceous, erect, shrub like habit; grown as annual in cooler climates Foliage: Opposite, narrow lance shaped green leaves. Produces white milky latex. Semi evergreen, may die back in cooler areas Flowers: Small, white to pale greenish white in clusters during warmer months Fruit / Seeds: Inflated, hairy balloon like pods; split when mature to release black seeds with silky hairs Size & growth: 0.5–2 m tall, bushy spread, fast growing; perennial in frost free regions Growing conditions: Well drained sandy/loamy soil, full sun, moderate water, drought tolerant, frost tender Care & maintenance: Low maintenance; remove spent pods to limit self seeding; light pruning if needed Propagation: By seed or semi hardwood cuttings Pests & diseases: Few pests; aphids may occur Safety (humans and animals): Toxic if ingested (cardiac glycosides); latex may irritate skin; wear gloves Uses: Ornamental, butterfly gardens Extra info: Name refers to bladder like fruit; can self seed and become invasive in some regions

[crudlynaturephotos]

[spatheandspadix]

Hanging out with some balloon milkweeds at the Penn State arboretum during the PA Botany Symposium

[scoretheearth]