Sapindaceae

Cardiospermum grandiflorum

Common Names: Balloon vine

Plant Form: Semi-woody perennial vine. Size: Climbing up to 10 m high. Stem: Very hairy when young, becoming woody with age. Cylindrical and ribbed. Leaves: Dark green in 3 groups of 3 oval-shaped leaflets, with central leaflet being the largest. With toothed edges and many small red hairs, especially underneath. Flowers: White 8-10 mm long with 4 petals. In clusters which have tendrils underneath. Fruit and Seeds: Balloon-like papery capsules 4-8 cm long with 3 compartments each with a single seed. Green maturing to yellow then cream. Covered in small stiff hairs. Habitat: Riparian areas, wetlands, gullies, rainforest edges, roadsides. Distinguishing Features: Has larger leaves and fruit than the similar Small balloon vine (Cardiospermum halicacabum).