Gomphocarpus physocarpus

Gomphocarpus physocarpus, commonly known as hairy balls, balloonplant, balloon cotton-bush, bishop's balls, nailhead, or swan plant, is a species of milkweed. The plant is native to southeast Africa, but it has been widely naturalized. It is often used as an ornamental plant. The name "hairy balls" is an allusion to the swelling testicle-like follicles which are full of seeds.

Gomphocarpus physocarpus
Photo of balloonplant with capsules
Detail photo of balloonplant capsules
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Gomphocarpus
Species:
G. physocarpus
Binomial name
Gomphocarpus physocarpus
Synonyms[1]
  • Asclepias brasiliensis (E.Fourn.) Schltr.
  • Asclepias physocarpa (E.Mey.) Schltr.
  • Gomphocarpus brasiliensis E.Fourn.

Description
Monarch butterfly caterpillars feeding on Gomphocarpus physocarpus

Gomphocarpus physocarpus is an undershrub perennial herb, that can grow to over six feet. The plant blooms in warm months. It grows on roadside banks, at elevations of 2800 to 5000 feet above sea level. The plant prefers moderate moisture, as well as sandy and well-drained soil and full sun.

The flowers are small, with white hoods and about 1 cm across. The follicle is a pale green, and in shape an inflated spheroid. It is covered with rough hairs. It reaches three inches in diameter. The leaves are light green, linear to lanceolate and 3 to 4 inches long, 1.2 cm broad. The brown seeds have silky tufts.[2][3]

This plant will readily hybridize with Gomphocarpus fruticosus creating intermediate forms.[4]

Butterflies

Gomphocarpus physocarpus is a food of the caterpillars of Danaus butterflies, including the monarch butterfly.

References
  1. "The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species".
  2. Llamas, Kirsten Albrecht (2003). Tropical Flowering Plants: A Guide to Identification and Cultivation. Timber Press. p. 73. ISBN 0-88192-585-3.
  3. Iremonger, Susan (2002). A Guide to the Plants of the Blue Mountains of Jamaica. The University of West Indies Press. p. 47. ISBN 976-640-031-8.
  4. Gurib-Fakim, A. (2011). "Gomphocarpus fruticosus (L.) W.T.Aiton". In Schmelzer, G.H.; Gurib-Fakim, A. (eds.). Prota 11(2): Medicinal plants/Plantes médicinales 2. Wageningen, Netherlands: PROTA.
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