Cardiospermum

Cardiospermum
Cardiospermum sp. vine
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Sapindales
Family:	Sapindaceae
Subfamily:	Sapindoideae
Genus:	Cardiospermum L.[1]
Species
14 species, see text.

Cardiospermum halicacabum - MHNT

Cardiospermum is a genus of approximately 14 species in the soapberry family, Sapindaceae, which are native to the American, Indian, and African tropics. The genus name is derived from the Greek words καρδία, meaning "heart," and σπέρμα, meaning "seed."^[2] Common names of the members of this genus include Balloon Vine, Love in a Puff, Heartseed, and Heartseed Vine. These plants are classified as invasive species in parts of the Southern United States and South Africa.

Uses

The Cardiospermum genus consists primarily of herbaceous vines, which are cultivated in warm regions as ornamental plants. Extractions of Cardiospermum seed are included in skin creams that claim to treat eczema and other skin conditions.

Species

Species include:

• Cardiospermum corindum
• Cardiospermum dissectum
• Cardiospermum grandiflorum
• Cardiospermum halicacabum

Media

• Cardiospermum is referenced in the character Heartseed from the Japanese Light Novel Kokoro Connect.

References

1. "Cardiospermum L.". Germplasm Resources Information Network. United States Department of Agriculture. 2006-03-29. Retrieved 2010-01-19.
2. Ellis, Barbara W. (1999). Taylor's Guide to Annuals: How to Select and Grow More Than 400 Annuals, Biennials, and Tender Perennials. Houghton Mifflin Company. p. 246. ISBN 978-0-395-94352-6.

External links

• Cardiospermum grandiflorum at Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER)
• New active discovered in Cardiospermum extract could be more effective than steroids