Sapindaceae, native to tropical America, India, and Africa.

Germination: Sow indoors at 70° or alternating 68 and 86°. Sow to a depth 4 times the size of the seed and expect germination in 10-15 days. Alternatively, sow outdoors after danger of last frost and expect germination in 15-20 days. Always buy fresh seeds, as seeds do not keep from year to year. Expect flowers 16 weeks after sowing

Growth: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves. Site in full sun in a moist, well-drained soil. As a tender vine, cold damage will be visible after 45° and it will be killed by freezing temperatures. Sow fresh seeds again in the spring.

Appearance and Use: A climbing annual vine that provides flower, fruit, and foliage interest summer through fall. A 10- to 12-foot-tall vine, it needs a structure on which to climb. It is grown for the 1/4 inch, greenish white flowers that appear from summer to the first frost and for the 3/4 to 1 1/4 inch, green turning brown, balloon-like seed capsules. Foliage is bright green and deeply toothed and its shape can be likened to a 6-8 inch long fern frond.

*Grown as an annual, but may overwinter in Zones 10 and 11.