Heartseed

Cardiospermum microcarpum

Native to:
Angola, Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Bolivia, Borneo, Botswana, Brazil, Cameroon, Cape Verde, China, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, French Guiana, Guyana, Haiti, Hawaii, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Jawa, Kenya, Leeward Is., Lesser Sunda Is., Madagascar, Malaya, Maluku, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Netherlands Antilles, New Guinea, Nicaragua, Niger, Pakistan, Panamá, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Society Is., South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan-South Sudan, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Suriname, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad-Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands, Windward Is., Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Sapindaceae
Genus:
Cardiospermum
Species:
Cardiospermum microcarpum
USDA Symbol:
CAMI21

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Vine
Height:
300 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
white

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Silver-banded hairstreak (Chlorostrymon simaethis), Strymon bebrycia, Thomas's blue (Hemiargus thomasi)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, butterflies

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers open, sunny locations