Cardiospermum halicacabum
(balloon vine)

Identity

Preferred Scientific Name

• Cardiospermum halicacabum L.

Preferred Common Name

• balloon vine

Other Scientific Names

• Cardiospermum acuminatum Miq.
• Cardiospermum corycodes Kunze
• Cardiospermum glabrum Schumach. & Thonn.
• Cardiospermum inflatum Salisb.
• Cardiospermum luridum Blume
• Cardiospermum moniliferum Schwagr. ex Steud.
• Corindum halicacabum (L.) Medik.

International Common Names

• English: heart pea; heartseed; lesser balloonvine; love in a puff; small balloon creeper; small balloon vine; winter-cherry
• Spanish: amor en bolsita; bejuco Colorado; farolito; globitos; revienta caballo
• French: pois de merveille
• Chinese: dao di ling
• Portuguese: balaozinho

Local Common Names

• Australia: small balloon vine
• Costa Rica: amor en bolsita; farolito; globitos
• Cuba: farolito (var. halicacabum); revienta caballos
• Dominican Republic: toffe-toffe
• Germany: Ballonrebe; Blasenerbse; Herzsame
• Haiti: bonnet carré; persil bâtard; pois de merveille; pois merveille
• Indonesia: cenet (Malay, Western Sumatra); ketipes (Javanese); paria gunung (Sundanese)
• Italy: vesicaria del cuore
• Lesser Antilles: bonne kawe; bonnet care; chapeau carre; heart seed; liane persil; lyann pesi; pesi bata; sprain bush vine; wild parsley
• Malaysia: bintang berahi; peria bulan; uban kayu
• Mexico: pejuco colorado
• Netherlands: Blaaserwt
• Philippines: kana; paria-aso; parol-parolan
• South Africa: lesser balloon vine
• Thailand: kok kra om; luupleep khruea; pho om

EPPO code

• CRIHA (Cardiospermum halicacabum)

Summary of Invasiveness

C. halicacabum is a long-lived scrambling, creeping, or climbing vine that is a weed of gardens, roadsides, disturbed sites and plantations. It has also the ability to climb and cover mature trees up to 8 m or more in height (Weeds of Australia, 2015). This species is often cultivated as an ornamental in gardens of tropical and subtropical regions of the world for its inflated balloon shaped fruits (Acevedo-Rodríguez, 2005; PIER, 2015; PROTA, 2015; Weeds of Australia, 2015). It has escaped from cultivation, and once naturalized it grows over native vegetation smothering trees, shrubs and understory vegetation. It is very successful invading forest margins, woodland, grassland, riverbanks, floodplains and rocky sites. Dense infestations can also impede access, increase the risk and intensity of fires and harbour pests and diseases (Invasive Species South Africa, 2015). Currently, C. halicacabum is regarded as a weed and invasive species in Australia, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, New Caledonia, Singapore, the USA, and Cuba (Foxcroft et al., 2003; Oviedo Prieto et al., 2012; BioNet-EAfrinet, 2015; PIER, 2015; USDA-NRCS, 2015; Weeds of Australia, 2015). 

Taxonomic Tree

• Domain: Eukaryota
•     Kingdom: Plantae
•         Phylum: Spermatophyta
•             Subphylum: Angiospermae
•                 Class: Dicotyledonae
•                     Order: Sapindales
•                         Family: Sapindaceae
•                             Genus: Cardiospermum
•                                 Species: Cardiospermum halicacabum

Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature

The family Sapindaceae includes 142 genera and approximately 1900 species distributed worldwide. Sapindaceae, along with the families Bignoniaceae and Fabaceae, are the major components of the vine vegetation of the Neotropics (Stevens, 2012). The genus Cardiospermum currently comprises 17 species of subshrubs and herbaceous climbers commonly called balloon vines (the Plant List, 2013). Around half of the species occur in moist tropical and subtropical regions of the world while other species are well-adapted to arid and semiarid habitats (Ferrucci and Urdampilleta, 2011; Gildenhuys et al., 2013). Cardiospermum is mostly restricted to the Neotropics (from Mexico to southern South-America; Ferrucci and Urdampilleta, 2011), with three species that extend into the Paleotropics. The species C. halicacabum is often listed as a cosmopolitan species with a wide distribution. The native status of this species is highly debated and still remains uncertain (Ferrucci and Urdampilleta, 2011; Urdampilleta et al., 2013; Gildenhuys et al., 2013).

The name Cardiospermum is the combination of the Latin words “cardio” meaning heart, and “sperma” meaning seed and refers to the white heart-shaped pattern (pseudohilum) observed on the seeds (USDA-NRCS, 2015). 

Description

Herbaceous vine, much branched from the base, climbs by means of tendrils and attains 1.5-2 m in length. Stems with 5 longitudinal ribs, glabrous or puberulent; cross section with a single vascular cylinder. Leaves alternate, biternate; leaflets chartaceous, puberulent or sparsely pubescent, the apex obtuse, acute, or acuminate, the base attenuate, the margins lobate or laciniate; terminal leaflet lanceolate or triangular, rhombic or narrowly lanceolate in outline, 2-3.5(5) cm long; lateral leaflets ovate, lanceolate, or oblong in outline, 1-2.5 cm long; rachis and petiole not winged; petioles 2-3 cm long; stipules lanceolate, approximately 5 mm long; tendrils in pairs, spirally twisted, at the end of short axillary axes (aborted inflorescences), from which an inflorescence usually develops. Flowers functionally unisexual, zygomorphic, in axillary racemiform thyrses, shorter than the accompanying leaf. Calyx light green, of 4 unequal sepals, the outer ones approximately 1.2 mm long, the inner ones 3-3.5 mm long. Petals white, obovate, 2.5-3.5 mm long; petaliferous appendages slightly shorter than the petals, fleshy and yellow at the apex, forming a hood that encloses the apex of the glands of the disc; disc unilateral, with 4 rounded or ovoid glands, approximately 0.4 mm long; stamens 8, the filaments unequal, pubescent; ovary trilocular, with one style and 3 stigmas. Capsules brown, pearlike, turbinate-obtriangular or sometimes nearly ellipsoid, 1.5-3 × 2-4 cm, pubescent. Seeds black, shiny, approximately 5 mm in diameter; hilum green when fresh, white when dry, cordate (Acevedo-Rodríguez, 2005; Flora of China Editorial Committee, 2015). 

Plant Type

Distribution

The native status of C. halicacabum is highly debated and its biogeographical history remains uncertain (Gildenhuys et al., 2013). It is probably native to the Neotropics, but is also distributed in the tropics of the Old World. Currently, C. halicacabum is regarded as being native to South and Central America while its status is questioned in North America (Rojo and Pitargue, 1999; Gildenhuys et al., 2013; USDA-ARS, 2015). Biogeographic analysis by Gildenhuys et al. (2015) gave unclear results for the overall native range, but suggested an alien status in southern Africa.

Distribution Table

The distribution in this summary table is based on all the information available. When several references are cited, they may give conflicting information on the status. Further details may be available for individual references in the Distribution Table Details section which can be selected by going to Generate Report.

History of Introduction and Spread

The ornamental trade of C. halicacabum spans more than 100 years. However, in Australia, it is speculated that C. halicacabum was introduced during James Cook’s second voyage in the 1770’s (Bean, 2007; Harris et al., 2007). In South Africa, the introduction of C. halicacabum occurred approximately 100 years ago (Simelane et al., 2011). In North America, C. halicacabum was reported in the Spontaneous Illinois Vascular Flora before 1922 and was described as abundant in Oklahoma in the 1820’s (Gildenhuys et al., 2013). In Cuba, where this species is listed as introduced and invasive (Oviedo Prieto et al., 2012), it appears in herbarium collections made in 1910 (US National Herbarium).

C. halicacabum also occurs in Asia. In China it is described as a common weed in forest margins, shrublands, grasslands, cultivated areas and wastelands of the east, south and southwest (Flora of China Editorial Committee, 2015) while in India it is a widespread weed. The history of C. halicacabum in these countries is unknown, but it is widely used for medicinal purposes (Subramanyam et al., 2007; Gildenhuys et al., 2013).

Risk of Introduction

The risk of introduction of C. halicacabum is high. This species has been extensively moved around the world for its medicinal and ornamental uses. C. halicacabum produces inflated balloon shaped fruits which are the main ornamental attraction of this species. Coincidently this trait also contributes to its colonization success, because these balloons can float in seawater and stay viable for long periods of time, facilitating long distance dispersal, even between landmasses (Gildenhuys et al., 2013).

Habitat

C. halicacabum is often cultivated as an ornamental for its curious papery capsules (Acevedo-Rodríguez, 2005). This species has repeatedly escaped from cultivation and once naturalized it can be found growing in disturbed or open areas, like roadsides and thickets, in pastures, cultivated areas, forest margins, riparian zones, shrublands, and grasslands at low elevations in dry and moist habitats (Wagner et al., 1999; Flora of China Editorial Committee, 2015). In the Galapagos Islands it grows in arid lowlands (McMullen, 1999). 

Habitat List

Hosts/Species Affected

C. halicacabum is a weed with substantial economic impacts on sugarcane and soyabean plantations (Gildenhuys et al., 2013). 

Host Plants and Other Plants Affected

Growth Stages

Biology and Ecology

Genetics

The chromosome number reported for C. halicacabum is 2n = 22 (Hemmer and Morawetz, 1990).

Reproductive Biology

C. halicacabum flowers are hermaphrodite and are visited by insects including bees, wasps, flies, and butterflies (PIER, 2015). It can be found flowering and fruiting throughout the year, except for prolonged periods of drought (Rojo and Pitargue, 1999).

Physiology and Phenology

C. halicacabum is a perennial vine that can be propagated by seed and cuttings. Seeds germinate at temperatures from 15-40°C with an optimum of 35°C, and taking about 3 weeks. Scarification with concentrated sulphuric acid may facilitate germination. Seedlings and young plants are able to survive flooded, saturated and dry conditions while performing best in intermediate conditions (Gildenhuys et al., 2013).

In China, C. halicacabum has been recorded flowering in the summer-autumn and fruiting in the autumn-early winter (Flora of China Editorial Committee, 2015). In Puerto Rico, it has been collected in flower and fruit in December and March (Acevedo-Rodríguez, 2005). In North America, it flowers from July to August and seeds ripen from August to October (USDA-NRCS, 2015). In South Africa, this species produces flowers and fruits mainly from January to June (PROTA, 2015).

Environmental Requirements

C. halicacabum can be found growing in a wide range of ecological conditions, including wet or seasonal climates, acid and basic soils, and in dry, marshy or periodically flooded places. It prefers sunny places, such as wasteland, roadsides, grassland, scrub, hedges and forest edges, at altitudes up to 1500 m. It cannot grow in shaded areas (Rojo and Pitargue, 1999; Acevedo-Rodríguez, 2005; PROTA, 2015).

Climate

Air Temperature

Soil Tolerances

Soil drainage

• free

Soil reaction

• acid
• alkaline
• neutral

Soil texture

• heavy
• light
• medium

Natural enemies

Notes on Natural Enemies

In 2003, the South Africa’s Working for Water program launched a research initiative to find biological control agents against C. grandiflorum (Simelane et al., 2011). Eight insects and two fungal agents were identified and put for host specificity testing in South Africa (Simelane et al., 2011). Most are capable of feeding and developing on other Cardiospermum spp. in South Africa, in particular C. halicacabum and C. corindum (McKay et al., 2010). Three promising agents were identified:

• a seedfeeding weevil (Curculionidae: Cissoanthonomus tuberculipennis),
• a fruit-galling midge (Cecidomyiidae: Contarinia spp.)
• a rust fungus Puccinia arechavaletae

Despite concerns about potential non-target impacts of candidate control agents initially preventing the release of these agents (Gildenhuys et al., 2013), approval was later given for release of the weevil C. tuberculipennis. Gildenhuys et al. (2015) suggested that while monitoring of the native Cardiospermum species C. corindum and C. pechuelli for non-target impacts of the weevil was strongly recommended, in light of the introduced status of C. halicacabum then any possible impacts on this species were a lesser concern from the standpoint of native species protection.

Means of Movement and Dispersal

C. halicacabum spreads by seeds, which are dispersed by birds, wind and water. Fruits can float on both seawater and freshwater and therefore they can be dispersed by ocean and water currents.

Long-distance introductions of this species are mainly the result of human activities (Rojo and Pitargue, 1999; Gildenhuys et al., 2013). It can also be dispersed as a potential seed contaminant and in dumped garden waste (USDA-ARS, 2015). 

Pathway Causes

Pathway Vectors

Impact Summary

Economic Impact

C. halicacabum is a major weed with substantial economic impacts on sugarcane and soyabean plantations (Gildenhuys et al., 2013). It is also listed as an environmental weed in Australia and South Africa where dense infestations can impede access, increase the risk and intensity of fires and harbour pests and diseases (Invasive Species South Africa, 2015; Weeds of Australia, 2015). 

Environmental Impact

C. halicacabum is globally listed as an aggressive invasive plant species. It is a “transformer weed” that grows forming a dense and thick curtain of stems and leaves which excludes light and inhibits photosynthesis in the native plants below (McKay et al. 2010; Weeds of Australia, 2015). The weight of this vegetation can also contribute to canopy collapse and ecosystem destruction. It invades forest margins, woodland, grassland, riverbanks, floodplains and rocky sites. Dense infestations can also increase the risk and intensity of fires, altering the successional process in natural habitats (Gildenhuys et al., 2013; Weeds of Australia, 2015).

Social Impact

Because C. halicacabum contains potentially toxic compounds such as saponins, cyanolipids and cyanogenic glycosides, it can be toxic for humans (Rojo and Pitargue, 1999).

Risk and Impact Factors

• Invasive in its native range
• Proved invasive outside its native range
• Has a broad native range
• Abundant in its native range
• Highly adaptable to different environments
• Is a habitat generalist
• Tolerates, or benefits from, cultivation, browsing pressure, mutilation, fire etc
• Pioneering in disturbed areas
• Highly mobile locally
• Benefits from human association (i.e. it is a human commensal)
• Long lived
• Fast growing
• Has high reproductive potential
• Has propagules that can remain viable for more than one year
• Reproduces asexually

• Ecosystem change/ habitat alteration
• Loss of medicinal resources
• Modification of fire regime
• Modification of successional patterns
• Monoculture formation
• Negatively impacts agriculture
• Negatively impacts forestry
• Reduced amenity values
• Reduced native biodiversity
• Threat to/ loss of native species

• Competition - monopolizing resources
• Competition - shading
• Competition - smothering
• Rapid growth
• Rooting

• Highly likely to be transported internationally accidentally
• Highly likely to be transported internationally deliberately

Uses

C. halicacabum is cultivated as an ornamental and medicinal plant (PROTA, 2015). The root is the most important plant part used for medicinal purposes. In South-East Asia it is considered to be a diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, antipyretic and purgative. Apart from its medicinal uses, C. halicacabum is eaten as a vegetable, the stems serve to make baskets and the seeds are used as beads. An edible oil can be obtained from the seed (Rojo and Pitargue, 1999).

Uses List

Animal feed, fodder, forage

• Forage

Environmental

• Amenity

General

• Botanical garden/zoo
• Ornamental

Human food and beverage

• Vegetable

Materials

• Baskets
• Beads
• Oils

Medicinal, pharmaceutical

• Traditional/folklore

Similarities to Other Species/Conditions

C. halicacabum is very similar to the closely related species Cardiospermum grandiflorum. These two species can be distinguished by the following differences (Weeds of Australia, 2015):

• Cardiospermum halicacabum has relatively small leaves (4-12 cm long) and finely hairy to almost hairless younger stems. Its flowers (3-4 mm long) and papery capsules (1-3 cm long) are also relatively small; nectary glands 4, ovoid, ca. 0.4 mm long.
• Cardiospermum grandiflorum has relatively large leaves (6-16 cm long) and densely hairy younger stems. Its flowers (6-11 mm long) and papery capsules (5-6.5 cm long) are also relatively large; nectary glands 2, corniform, 1.2-2 mm long.

Prevention and Control

Due to the variable regulations around (de)registration of pesticides, your national list of registered pesticides or relevant authority should be consulted to determine which products are legally allowed for use in your country when considering chemical control. Pesticides should always be used in a lawful manner, consistent with the product's label.

Small Cardiospermum invasions can be controlled using manual removal or burning (Subramanyam et al., 2007). Manual removal involves cutting plants at the base, enabling the top part to die off, after which roots are dug out which is very labour intensive (McKay et al. 2010).

Chemical Control

Chemical control of larger Cardiospermum infestations includes treatment with paraquat, glufosinate-ammonium, lactofen, carfentrazone-ethyl, sulfentrazone, glyphosate or 2, 4-dichloraphenoxy acetic acid (Subramanyam et al., 2007). However, the use of chemical control could potentially be problematic due to the typical proximity of invasions to waterways making environmental contamination a threat (Simelane et al., 2011). Another problem in the management of Cardiospermum invasions is the persistent seedbank. Therefore chemical control should be repeated until control (Gildenhuys et al., 2013). 

References

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Distribution References

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Contributors

10/12/15 Original text by:

Julissa Rojas-Sandoval, Department of Botany-Smithsonian NMNH, Washington DC, USA

Distribution Maps