Appearance
''Gomphocarpus physocarpus'' is an undershrub perennial herb, that can grow to over six feet. The plant blooms in warm months. It grows on roadside banks, at elevations of 2800 to 5000 feet above sea level. The plant prefers moderate moisture, as well as sandy and well-drained soil and full sun.''Gomphocarpus physocarpus'' is traditionally used to produce ointments for the treatment of warts and the seeds are used in rituals. The leaves and stems produce milky latex that is toxic, yet it has never been described in detail particularly with regards to the anatomy of lactiferous cells.
The flowers are small, with white hoods and about 1 cm across. The follicle is a pale green, and in shape an inflated spheroid. It is covered with rough hairs. It reaches three inches in diameter. The leaves are light green, linear to lanceolate and 3 to 4 inches long, 1.2 cm broad. The brown seeds have silky tufts.
This plant will readily hybridize with ''Gomphocarpus fruticosus'' creating intermediate forms.
Habitat
''Gomphocarpus physocarpus'' is a food of the caterpillars of ''Danaus'' butterflies, including the monarch butterfly.References:
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