balloon vine

American  

noun

1. a tropical climbing plant, Cardiospermum halicacabum, of the soapberry family, bearing big, bladderlike pods and black seeds with a white, heart-shaped spot.

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balloon vine British  

noun

1. a tropical tendril-climbing sapindaceous plant, Cardiospermum halicacabum , cultivated for its ornamental balloon-like seed capsules

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Etymology

Origin of balloon vine

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

Of the tender vines, the nasturtiums and ipomeas and morning-glories are the most common in the North, while the adlumia, balloon vine, passion vine, gourds, and others, are frequently used.

From Project Gutenberg