Apple of Sodom

Description:

Katuna di Seda in papiamento, the language of Bonaire, the plant is called this way because of the unusual fruit contents. They grow into a big green rounded shape that when pressed or struck, explodes with a puff, like a bladder or puff-ball, leaving in the hand only the shreds of the thin rind and a few fibers. It is filled chiefly with air, which gives it the rounded form. In the center a small slender pod runs through it which contains a small quantity of fine silk. Without manipulation the ripe "apples" are also designed to eventually burst. The fibrous contents is then ejected along with the seeds, which promotes their dispersal. The Jamaicans collect these fibers to fill in pillows.

Habitat:

Native to Africa but also the Caribbean islands is an important staple for certain species such as monarch butterflies born in the islands of Bonaire and Klein Bonaire: http://www.dcnanature.org/monarch-butter...