汽球花是其别名,而在《中国高等植物图鉴》中则称钉头果(Gomphocarpus fruticosus)(左图)。汽球花是萝藦科的多年生半落叶灌木。茎被微毛,叶条形,对生或轮生。聚伞花序,生于小枝顶端或腋内,往往开花多结果少。蓇葖果,肿胀,圆形或卵圆形,初时青绿色,成熟后淡黄绿色。果皮很轻,极似汽球,故叫“汽球花”,有小苹果那么大,外果皮具有软刺,故又称为“钉头果”。果柄有小软刺,果弯型,很有观赏价值。汽球花原产非洲,现在华南及云南均有栽培。广州绿化公司也有栽培。收果后可保留母株,待明年春季可剪取枝条扦插繁殖。春季播种,在国庆节后开花结果。栽培管理容易,不需要很多肥料。又能耐旱。在开花 The balloon flower is its alias, while the Gomphocarpus fruticosus (left) is referred to in the “Illustrated China Higher Plants”. The balloon flower is a perennial deciduous shrub of the genus Rachidae. Stems pilose, leaf-shaped, opposite or whorled. Cymes, born in the top of the twigs or axils, often less flowering.蓇 葖 Fruit, swollen, round or ovoid, initially turquoise, yellowish green when ripe. Peel is very light, like a balloon, it is called “balloon flower”, there are so small apples, epicarp has a soft thorn, it is also known as “nail scallop.” Fruit stalks have small spines, curved fruit, very ornamental value. Balloon flowers native to Africa, now in southern China and Yunnan have cultivated. Guangzhou Green Company also has cultivation. Remaining mother plants can be retained until the spring of next year cutting cuttings can be cut. Sowed in spring, after the National Day flowering results. Cultivation and management is easy, do not need a lot of fertilizer. And drought. In blossom