This genus comprises approximately 14 species of herbaceous climbing plants found in tropical areas of the Americas, Africa, and India. The leaves are deeply lobed and hairy, accompanied by twining tendrils and small white flowers that are not particularly noticeable. The seed pods are inflated, leading to the common name 'balloon vine' for plants in this group.

Cardiospermum

Cardiospermum grandiflorum is classified as an invasive, non-native species under Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife & Countryside Act, prohibiting its sale. Refer to the cultivation notes for additional information.

Cardiospermum grandiflorum

Cardiospermum grandiflorum f. hirsutum is classified as an invasive, non-native species under Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife & Countryside Act, and its sale is prohibited. Refer to the cultivation notes for additional information.

Cardiospermum grandiflorum f. hirsutum

Cardiospermum halicacabum is a tropical, evergreen vine typically cultivated as an annual. It features finely dissected leaves and slender, spiraling tendrils. The small white flowers are inconspicuous, giving way to inflated, round seed pods that house a single black seed marked with a white heart, which is the source of its common name, Love-in-a-Puff.