Family: Sapindaceae

Scientific Name: Cardiospermum halicacabum The vine grew aggressively and thrived in a hot southern exposure.

Common Name: Love in a Puff, Balloon Vine, Heart Seed

Description

Love in a Puff (Cardiospermum halicacabum)  plant is commonly grown for its puffy seed pod and black seeds that have white, heart-shaped markings. However, it is considered noxious in many warm areas.

Pronunciation(kar-dee-oh-SPER-mum)(hal-ee-KAY-ka-bum)
Plant TypeAnnuals, Site author's observations
Hardiness Zone8(9-11
Sunlightfull
Moistureaverage
Soil & Siteaverage
Growing Mediaaverage
Flowerssmall white
Fruitinflated angled capsule, black seeds with white heart shaped marking
Stemsclimbing, twining vine
Dimensions8 plus feet, fast-growing once established
PropagationI planted the seeds without any special treatment, and they sprouted easily. While some sources suggest scarification is necessary, I found that it did not seem to affect germination. It's best to collect the seeds when the capsule has turned brown.
Native SiteIndia, Africa, South America
Author's NotesIn the summer of 2016, I grew this plant out of curiosity due to the inflated seed pod and the unique heart-shaped markings on the black seeds. Easy to grow.
Notes & Reference#51-Armitage's Manual of Annuals, Biennials, and Half-Hardy Perennials (Alan Armitage), #171- Authors' observations and growing experiences
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