Balloon cotton bush (Gomphocarpus physocarpus, Comm. Pl. Afr. Austr.: 202 (1838))

Family: Apocynaceae

Author: E.Mey.

Bibliography: Comm. Pl. Afr. Austr.: 202 (1838)

Year: 1838

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Gomphocarpus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: S. Mozambique to S. Africa

Description

Balloon cotton bush, scientifically known as Gomphocarpus physocarpus, is a fascinating plant native to regions extending from southern Mozambique to South Africa. This unique member of the Apocynaceae family can be recognized by its distinctive, balloon-like seed pods, which contribute to its common name.

This perennial shrub typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 meters, thriving particularly well in the warm climates of southern Africa. The plant features narrow, lance-shaped leaves arranged oppositely along its stems. These leaves are a vibrant green, creating a lush backdrop for the plant’s unique reproductive structures.

One of the most striking characteristics of the balloon cotton bush is its spherical fruiting bodies. These inflated pods, which can reach up to 8 centimeters in diameter, resemble small, green balloons covered in fine hairs. As they mature, they gradually turn brown and split open, releasing numerous seeds equipped with silky tufts. These tufts aid in the dispersal of seeds by the wind, ensuring the spread of the plant across its native range.

Flowering typically occurs from late summer to early autumn, producing clusters of small, white to pale pink flowers. Each flower is delicate and intricately structured, contributing to the plant’s ornamental appeal.

Apart from its unique visual traits, the balloon cotton bush also holds significance in various traditional practices. In some local cultures, it is used for medicinal purposes, with different parts of the plant believed to have therapeutic properties. However, caution is advised since parts of the plant can be toxic if ingested improperly.

E. Mey., the authority who first described this species in 1838 in “Comm. Pl. Afr. Austr.,” highlighted its unique characteristics and its importance to the floristic diversity of the African landscape. The adaptability and distinct features of the balloon cotton bush make it not only an interesting subject for botanical studies but also a valued addition to gardens and natural plantings in appropriate climates around the world.

In summary, Gomphocarpus physocarpus is a remarkable plant that captivates with its unusual fruiting structures and contributes to the ecological and cultural tapestry of southern Africa. Its adaptability and striking appearance ensure that it remains a plant of interest for botanists, horticulturists, and plant enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Eng: balloon cotton bush, balloon cottonbush, balloon plant, bladderbush, cottonbush, hairy balls, narrow-leaf cottonbush, swanplant, wild cotton
Deu: schwanen-seidenpflanze
Swe: monarkballongbuske
Por: paina-de-seda
En: Balloon cotton bush, Balloon cottonbush, Balloon plant, Bladderbush, Cottonbush, Hairy balls, Narrow-leaf cottonbush, Swanplant, Wild cotton
Fr: Ti-Ouete, Balloon Cottonbush
De: Schwanen-Seidenpflanze
Pt: Paina-de-seda
Sv: Monarkballongbuske

Synonyms

• Asclepias brasiliensis ((E.Fourn.) Schltr.)
• Gomphocarpus fruticosus f. brasiliensis ((E.Fourn.) Briq.)
• Gomphocarpus brasiliensis (E.Fourn.)
• Asclepias physocarpa ((E.Mey.) Schltr.)

Distribution

• Cape Provinces (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Swaziland (native)
• Angola (introduced)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Bermuda (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• Brazil Northeast (introduced)
• Brazil South (introduced)
• Brazil Southeast (introduced)
• Brazil West-Central (introduced)
• Burundi (introduced)
• Cameroon (introduced)
• Central African Repu (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Cook Is. (introduced)
• Costa Rica (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• El Salvador (introduced)
• Greece (introduced)
• Guatemala (introduced)
• Hainan (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Honduras (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• Kriti (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Marquesas (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Mexico Southwest (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Nicaragua (introduced)
• Niger (introduced)
• Nigeria (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• Panamá (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Rodrigues (introduced)
• Senegal (introduced)
• Seychelles (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• St.Helena (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)
• Uganda (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Nov 16, 2022 by Olga Sukhova (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 4, 2020 by elena (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2022 by shahbanou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2021 by M B (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 8, 2018 by Ian Clegg (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 3, 2017 by Rémi Knaff (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2017 by Rémi Knaff (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2017 by Rémi Knaff (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2017 by Rémi Knaff (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2017 by Rémi Knaff (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Dec 29, 2019 by Paez Gabriel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 3, 2022 by Didier Revillon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 15, 2022 by Laurent Seychelles (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2019 by Martinez Correa Joaquin Rodrigo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 2016 by bas yves (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 8, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 7, 2021 by Holy Dejeji (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2020 by Olivia Lebon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2022 by Christine Sa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 2016 by bas yves (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Nov 13, 2019 by philippe olczyk (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2019 by downe bob (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2018 by Carlos Miguel Fosquinha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 20, 2019 by gladwin gladwin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2020 by Eric McIlwain (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 22, 2021 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2022 by Birgitta Tittel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 4, 2022 by Dan Maxwell (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 4, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 3, 2022 by Didier Revillon (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3170326)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:97670-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gomphocarpus physocarpus E.Mey.)

Specifications

Growth