Scientific Name
Cardiospermum grandiflorum Sweet
Common Names
balloon vine
Origin
America, Africa, West Indies
Family
Sapindaceae
Distinguishing characteristics
Vine which can cover other creek-line vegetation. It has long tendrils for support.
Leaves are compound made up of 3 lots of 3 leaflets. Leaflets are toothed or lobed. Leaves may be up to about 16cm long. Stems are ribbed and are reddish/green.
Flowers are white with yellow on the labellum (lip) and to about 10 mm across. Flower stems form at junction of leaves and main stem.
Fruit is a capsule which is like a 3-angled round balloon. Capsules are green and soft when immature and become crisp and tan in colour at maturity. These balloon capsules are light enough to be transported by wind or water. The seeds which are black when mature germinate readily.
Other plants easily confused with this plant
This plant is very distinctive.
Sources & References
"Weeds - an illustrated botanical guide to weeds of Australia" by B. A. Auld and R. W. Medd.
"Flora of New South Wales" editor Gwen J. Harden, Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney.
Prepared by Justin KY Chu, July 2005
Checked by Dr Peter Michael, July 2005