Gomphocarpus physocarpus

Apocynaceae (Asclepiadoideae) (Num-num (Milkweed subfamily) family)
Balloon Milkweed, Balloon Wild Cotton, Bishop's Balls, Hairy Balls, Bindweed (E) Balmelkbossie, Balbossie (A) umbababa (Z)
Native to Southern Africa
Perennial, shrub
Evergreen
Full sun
Frost tolerant
Medium water requirements
Fast grower
Attracts insects

FLOWERING TIME:   J F M A M J J A S O N D
FRUITING TIME:   J F M A M J J A S O N D

A spindly shrub to 2m with rounded pale green, slightly prickly pods which burst open to reveal a mass of white silky threads.

ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS:
This shrub attracts a host of insects.

NATURAL HABITAT & DISTRIBUTION:
Grassland

MAINTENANCE:
Low maintenance.

GARDEN THEMES:
Grassland

FLOWERS:
FOLIAGE:
FRUIT:
SEED:
WILDLIFE GALLERY:
BUTTERFLY LARVAL HOST:
Danaus chrysippus (African Monarch)

FULL GALLERY:
WITH THANKS TO: