Asclepias physocarpa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Swan Plant |
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A. physocarpa
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| Asclepias physocarpa (E.Mey.) Schlechter
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Gomphocarpus physocarpus E.Mey. |
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The swan plant (scientific name: Asclepias physocarpa) is a very interesting type of milkweed plant. It's also known by other fun names like balloonplant or balloon cotton-bush because of its unique, puffy seed pods. This plant is part of the Asclepiadoideae subfamily.
Meet the Swan Plant
The swan plant gets its common name from its cool-looking seed pods. These pods are light green and shaped a bit like a swan's body, with a slender "neck" at the top. They are hollow and feel like small balloons.
Why is it important?
Swan plants are super important for Monarch butterfly caterpillars. These caterpillars love to munch on the leaves of milkweed plants, including the swan plant. It's their main food source! Without milkweed plants, Monarch caterpillars wouldn't have enough to eat to grow into beautiful butterflies.
Where does it grow?
This plant originally comes from Africa. However, it has spread and now grows naturally in many other parts of the world. For example, you can find it growing wild in Hawai'i and other places where the climate is warm.
Images for kids
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Monarch butterfly caterpillars enjoying a meal on a swan plant.
See also
In Spanish: Asclepias physocarpa para niños
