Gomphocarpus fruticosus subsp. fruticosus
Balloon Cotton, Bristle Fruit Silkweed
Other regional names: Cape Cotton +4 more
- Cape Cotton
- Cottonbush
- Duckbush
- Gooseplant
- Mobydick
Also known as: Asclepias cornuta (Decne.) Cordem. +5 more
- Asclepias cornuta (Decne.) Cordem.
- Asclepias crinita (G.Bertol.) N.E.Br.
- Asclepias fruticosa L.
- Gomphocarpus arachnoideus E.Fourn.
- Gomphocarpus cornutus Decne.
- Gomphocarpus crinitus G.Bertol.
Botanical Data
- Taxonomic Rank: Subspecies
- Botanical Family: Apocynaceae
- WCVP Morphological Data: Recorded natively as a subshrub or shrub.
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Gomphocarpus fruticosus subsp. fruticosus (commonly known as Balloon-Cotton or Bristle-Fruit Silkweed) is a shrub within the Apocynaceae family. It originates in Africa. Within its native range, this subspecies is primarily associated with seasonally dry tropical conditions. It is a naturally occurring subspecies of Gomphocarpus fruticosus, which is linked below, along with other subspecies of this species.
Macro Climate
Tropical
Plant Type
Shrub
Native Range
Continents (WGSRPD)
AFRICA
Regions (WGSRPD)
South Tropical Africa, Southern Africa
Botanical Countries (WGSRPD L3)
Angola, Botswana, Cape Provinces, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Introduced Range
Plants flagged as 'Introduced' have been transported outside their native historical range by human activity. While many are common ornamentals, some may become naturalized or invasive in local environments. Local ecological guidelines require verification prior to planting.
Botanical Countries (Non-Native)
Albania, Algeria, Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Azores, Baleares, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, California, Canary Is., China South-Central, China Southeast, Colombia, Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., France, Greece, India, Italy, Jamaica, Kermadec Is., Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Madagascar, Madeira, Mauritius, Mexico Gulf, Morocco, New South Wales, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Portugal, Queensland, Réunion, Sardegna, Seychelles, Sicilia, South Australia, Spain, Surinam, Tasmania, Transcaucasus, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Victoria, Vietnam, Western Australia, Yugoslavia
Base Species & Variations