Now these ARE super intriguing!

Can’t recall coming across this before.

They’re called #Gomphocarpusphysocarpus, commonly known as balloonplant, balloon cotton-bush, bishop's balls, nailhead, or swan plant, yes - and hairy balls!

It is a species of dogbane. The plant is native to southeast Africa, and is often used as an ornamental plant.

The spikes on these balloon type growths are coarse and prickly. A little sharp. And the balloon itself is firm but giving when pressed with a little pressure. But does not rebound back. So I guess the contents is mostly hollow and not greatly ‘inflated’ as such.

This is a perennial herb traditionally used to produce ointments for the treatment of warts and the seeds are used in rituals. The leaves and stems produce milky latex that is toxic.

Gomphocarpus is nutritious food for caterpillars and some species of butterfly. 🐛🦋

Well there you go!

How intriguing.

PS - Wiki does indeed list them as hairy balls… seriously 🤭

📸 - #ormond #Australia

#urbanflora #flora #gardening #garden #melbourne #aesthetichedonist #flowersofmastodon #gardeningAU #gardening #narrm #victoria #Australia #godmustbeabotanist #makesmehappy