Lessertia frutescens
Balloon Pea, Cancer Bush
Other regional names: Cancerbush +1 more
- Cancerbush
- Duckplant
Also known as: Colutea frutescens L. +5 more
- Colutea frutescens L.
- Colutea grandiflora Salisb.
- Colutia frutescens (L.) Medik.
- Colutia frutescens L.
- Sutherlandia frutescens (L.) R.Br.
- Sutherlandia frutescens (L.) W.T.Aiton
Botanical Data
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
- Botanical Family: Fabaceae
- WCVP Morphological Data: Recorded natively as a subshrub or shrub.
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Naturally occurring in Africa, Lessertia frutescens (commonly known as Balloon-Pea or Cancer Bush) is a shrub belonging to the Fabaceae family. Within its native range, this species is most commonly linked to subtropical conditions. There are naturally occurring subspecies of this species, which are linked below.
Macro Climate
Subtropical
Plant Type
Shrub
Native Range
Continents (WGSRPD)
AFRICA
Regions (WGSRPD)
Southern Africa
Botanical Countries (WGSRPD L3)
Botswana, Cape Provinces, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Lesotho, Namibia, Northern Provinces
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)
Kenya, Mexico Central, Mexico Northeast, New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia
Subspecies, Varieties & Forms