Cardiospermum halicacabum

Native to tropical locations, the Balloon Vine can be found creeping and climbing its way on or along anything that gets in its way in moist thickets, open grounds, grasslands, scrublands, along roadsides, waste locations, riverbanks and other disturbed sites. It is a member of the maple family (Sapindaceae).

It was introduced in the southern and southeastern US where it is considered a noxious weed.  Its growth habit can smother and kill native vegetation. To control its spread, pinch off the new growth.

Its common name, Heart-seed comes from the words cardio, referring to the heart and sperma, translating to seed. When ripened, the black seeds have a white heart-shaped pattern. Halicacabum is a Latin word for a plant with inflated fruits.  

It serves as a host plant for the caterpillars of several varieties of tropical American butterflies. The Hairstreak butterfly (Theclinae) lay eggs on the young fruits.  After hatching, the caterpillars feed on the seeds and pupate inside the capsules. Miami blue caterpillars (Cyclargus thomasi) caterpillars feed on the flower buds.

The edible leaves and stems can be used as an herb or spice as well as a vegetable.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Aphids and whiteflies are occasional visitors.