Lanterns (Cardiospermum halicacabum)

La Cardiospermum halicacabum a plant that is present in many parts of the world, especially in various areas of the United States. Nevertheless, We can also find it in areas of South America, Europe and the African continent.

Among the extensive family of plants we find the so-called "climbers", and the  Cardiospermum halicacabum is one of them, being related to the sapindáceas family and it also has a medium size. It is also known as the Globe Plant and Farolitos.

Features

Lanterns have a maximum of six stems between their flowers and are usually not large. It has lanceolate leaflets 2 to 8 centimeters long by 1 or 2 cm wideIts fruits can be about 3 or 4 cm long and its black seeds are about 4 mm in diameter. Its flowers, not having much information about it, are supposed to be white, although what we do know is that they are hermaphrodites and their leaves are deciduous.

As the soil has to be constantly irrigated, we must be very aware of our cardiospermum so that it does not dry out and grows without any problem. It will adorn any wall we have, Ya que being a climber it is ideal to cover any area.

Care

The soil it requires must have specific characteristics for its proper development, in addition to being well drained. We talk about what needs a neutral, acid and alkaline Ph. If the sand is clayey and quite sandy it will grow in optimal conditions.

It requires constant watering, since clay soils dry out very easily. That is why in areas that grow lush, they tend to have high levels of rainfall to meet this need. If you decide to plant it yourself, you should water it about two or three times a week and watch for puddles.

With respect to the sun it is somewhat more delicate and demanding. Requires direct exposure to sunlight, so the shade does not like these types of plants. Where you are going to plant it make sure there are other trees or walls bigger than it or it will seriously affect its sustained growth.

It can withstand various temperatures, although never survived frost. If you live in areas where the climate drops to 0 degrees you should try to protect it, otherwise it will suffer a lot, and may even die.

Diseases of the Cardiospermun halicacabum

This is one of its strengths, since after several studies have been carried out on the matter carried out in laboratories by scientists, no pests or diseases have been found to damage it severely. The most important thing is that it has the requirements it demands to be able to grow in optimal conditions.

Uses

It is a very appreciated plant, so it is usually cultivated and used to ornament. One of its main characteristics and virtues is that it has several healing properties that are used in various countries. In some sectors of Mexico and the United States they use it for eye diseases and to combat diarrhea.

However, many industry specialists indicate that also has diuretic elements and they are sudorific. In other areas such as Durango, Mexico, they use it to eliminate a kind of pimples that appear in some parts of the body such as the buttocks or armpits.

Some laboratories often use some parts of the plant to make ointments, since it has been shown that has anti-inflammatory properties. It is widely used to treat skin disorders such as eczema and also helps to hydrate the skin, so it is especially suitable for those who have it dry. Grow medicinal plants in your garden is a very good idea.

The main advantages offered by this species is that it is a plant that has no record of having suffered from any disease or pest. As we have commented previously, its medicinal properties make it one of the preferred by doctors and people in general. It is very effective for reddened skin and burns, so if you come from the beach and have suffered a heat stroke, you can use its leaves to soothe swelling and redness.

It is an interesting plant that has many benefits, although it must be remembered that it needs constant sun and that it can reach up to three meters.