TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA


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Gomphocarpus physocarpus, Asclepias physocarpa, Baloonplant, Cotton Bush, Swan Plant, Balloon Plant, Family Jewels Milkweed Tree

Gomphocarpus physocarpus, Asclepias physocarpa

Baloonplant, Cotton Bush, Swan Plant, Balloon Plant, Family Jewels Milkweed Tree
Family: Apocynaceae    (Formerly:Asclepiadaceae)
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Origin: Jamaica and South America
USDA Zone: 8-10?
USDA Plant Hardiness MapLarge shrub 5-10 ft tallSmall plant 2-5 ftSemi-shadeFull sunModerate waterRegular waterWhite, off-white flowersPlant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsIrritating plantSubtropical or temperate zone plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time

The name Balloonplant is an allusion to the swelling bladder-like pods which are full of seeds. During the summer, umbels of creamy or greenish-white flowers are produced; these are followed by interesting globular seed pods which are inflated and covered with soft bristles. The flowers are small, with white hoods and about 1/2 inch across. The capsule is a pale green, and in shape an inflated sphere. It is covered with rough hairs. It reaches three inches in diameter. This plant grows to 6 feet tall with a spread of about 2 feet. It has lance-shaped, medium green, hairy leaves. Flowers are a nectar source for many butterflies and leaves are a food source for monarch butterfly larvae (caterpillars). It is also popular in traditional medicine to cure various ailments.


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Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/asclepias_physocarpa.htm

Gomphocarpus physocarpus (Asclepias physocarpa) - Baloonplant

Balloon Plant, Baloonplant, Cotton Bush, Swan Plant. The name Balloonplant is an allusion to the swelling bladder-like pods which are full of seeds. The flowers are small, with white hoods and about 1/2 inch across. The capsule is a pale green, and in shape an inflated sphere. It is covered with rough hairs. It reaches three inches in diameter. The plant is a food source for the caterpillars of Danaus butterflies, and is a specific Monarch butterfly food and habitat plant. It is also popular in traditional medicine to cure various ailments.

Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Megaflor - Bloom Nutrition Booster
This item is certified for shipping to California.
Grown in
6"/1 gal pot
1 plant in stock
Last one
$39.95