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Project Noah Nature School
Gomphocarpus physocarpus (syn. Asclepias physocarpa)
A species of milkweed (aka Swan Plant, Cotton Bush, and Balloonplant). Native to southeast Africa, but it has been widely naturalized. Often used as an ornamental plant. The name "Balloonplant" is an allusion to the swelling bladder-like pods which are full of seeds. Pods are bulbous and spikey (and almost as large as a tennis ball). Leaves are long and narrow, and it has small white flowers. Each specimen stood approx. 6 ft in height. Often confused with another species - Gomphocarpus fruticosus - http://www.weeds.org.au/cgi-bin/weediden...
Found at a highway rest stop. Fully-exposed to elements - sun, rain, wind, etc. Dry location.
My first encounter with this species. It attracts Monarch Caterpillars, so I guess unlike most weeds, this one is actually useful. Thanks to martinl for the species ID.
Thanks very much, Martin. Next time I'm heading down Stanthorpe way I'll give them a better look, and most certainly for the caterpillars.
That's a superb photo.
Watch out for monarch caterpillars.
They are nearly always on this plant.
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/173...
Spotted on Dec 4, 2013
Submitted on Dec 6, 2013
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