Cysticapnos vesicaria

Scientific name: Cysticapnos vesicaria
Family: Fumariaceae
Common name: Klappertjies

Plant Description

Cysticapnos vesicaria is an annual vine with a greyish bloom. There are usually ten-drilled leaves with 3-lobed leaflets found in wedge shapes with racemes of 2 lipped flowers. It has pink flowers with broad winglike petals; flaring petals 10mm long. The flowers blossom from August to October. As a result, swollen balloon-like fruits develop, looking smoky pink-grey. The seeds are tiny and lenticular, with a shiny black testa. Cysticapnos comes from the Greek cystis, meaning bladder, and capnos, meaning swollen or bladder-like capsules. 

Growing and maintenance of Cysticapnos vesicaria

This plant grows on sandy flats and slopes, and it climbs between bushes. It can grow in full sun as well as light shade. It is best suited for water-wise gardens. Even though it is not long-lived, it produces beautiful flowers when it blooms.

Propagate from seeds: 

• Sow seeds in autumn.
• Plant seeds in a seedling tray filled with well-draining soil.
• Spread sand lightly over seeds.
• Until the seeds germinate, they must be placed in a light-filled room.
• Germination occurs quickly in one to two weeks.