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Foliage of balloon vine - Cardiospermum grandiflorum Environmental and other impacts<br /> <br /> Cardiospermum grandiflorum forms dense infestations that outcompete indigenous vegetation. It is a major weed in riparian zones (banks of watercourses) in South Africa. It is rapidly spreading beyond urban areas in East Africa. Although not a very serious problem yet in the region, it has massive potential for further spread. It can smother native plants and prevent the free movement of wildlife so has great potential to negatively impact upon biodiversity.<br /> <br /> C. grandiflorum has been included in the Global Invasive Species Database (GISD 2008). It has been listed as a noxious weed in South Africa (prohibited plants that must be controlled. They serve no economic purpose and possess characteristics that are harmful to humans, animals or the environment) and in in the Australian states of New South Wales and Queensland, Australia.<br /> mailto:eafrinet@africaonline.co.ke Australia,Cardiospermum grandiflorum,Geotagged,Summer Click/tap to enlarge

Foliage of balloon vine - Cardiospermum grandiflorum

Environmental and other impacts

Cardiospermum grandiflorum forms dense infestations that outcompete indigenous vegetation. It is a major weed in riparian zones (banks of watercourses) in South Africa. It is rapidly spreading beyond urban areas in East Africa. Although not a very serious problem yet in the region, it has massive potential for further spread. It can smother native plants and prevent the free movement of wildlife so has great potential to negatively impact upon biodiversity.

C. grandiflorum has been included in the Global Invasive Species Database (GISD 2008). It has been listed as a noxious weed in South Africa (prohibited plants that must be controlled. They serve no economic purpose and possess characteristics that are harmful to humans, animals or the environment) and in in the Australian states of New South Wales and Queensland, Australia.
mailto:eafrinet@africaonline.co.ke

    comments (2)

  1. View Christine Young's profile
    Christine Young
    Lion
    View Lion class
    It sounds like it has quite an impact! Do you see much of it? Posted 5 years ago
    1. View Ernst's profile
      Ernst
      Lion
      View Lion class
      Yes i spotted this vine yesterday for the first time along a river bank. It totally covers any plant in its way and of course the affected plant will cradualy die. Posted 5 years ago

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The Balloon vine

''Cardiospermum grandiflorum'', commonly known as balloon vine, heart pea or heart seed, is a species of climbing plant native to eastern Argentina and Brazil. It was described by Olof Swartz and is in the family Sapindaceae. The species can grow over 10 m long and it has small white flowers.

Info 3 0
Similar species: Sapindales
Species identified by Ernst
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By Ernst

All rights reserved
Uploaded Jan 10, 2020. Captured Jan 9, 2020 15:38 in Chellaston Reserve, 70 Chellaston St, Camden NSW 2570, Australia.
country flag of Australia Explore Australia 13,073 4,173 3
  • Canon EOS 700D
  • f/8.0
  • 1/395s
  • ISO800
  • 135mm
Captured in the summer. More summer photos.