Balloon Milkweed

Balloon Milkweed Overview

Gomphocarpus physocarpus is a deciduous subshrub capable of reaching over 2m in height. Also known as Balloon Plant or Balloon Milkweed, this plant is rarely cultivated, but is found in some indigenous gardens in southeast Africa. They are often grown as annual ornamentals in more temperate regions or to add interest to cut flower bouquets. Be aware though: because of its ease of spreading seeds by wind dispersal, it can infest areas rapidly and some consider it invasive. The cut flower industry use both the fruit and linear to lance-shaped foliage in floral arrangements. Flowers are small, delicate and white with pink-purple shading, leading onto large, bulbous and bristly seed pods, often in pairs. This species is a food source for certain insects including the monarch butterfly and caterpillars of the Danaus genus. For optimal growth plant in sandy, well-drained soil and full sunlight. ZA Distribution: Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Western Cape.