Milkweed (aka Swan Plant)

Description:

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...

Habitat:

Spotted on a trail in native bushland, in Brisbane Forest Park. Growing amongst tall grass in a large clearing, only a stone's throw from lakes edge. This is the only section of the park that I have noticed this species.

Notes:

I learn something new with each spotting, even if it's a species I've previously documented. For starters, I've been able to ID the exact species for this spotting. There's also a species that is very similar to this one. I've not seen the white silky seeds prior to now, nor the spent seed pods that are dry and rotting on the bush. There are also a variety of insects that are attracted to these plants, one of which I can see in these photos, but it is also toxic to a number of mammal species. I also suspect there is a preferred habitat, that being exposed areas with full sun, and they seem to be able to tolerate dry conditions. My next encounter will be more refined. Prior to joining PN, I had no idea this species even existed.