Identification please

Some friends are on holiday in Minorca and have just sent me a picture of this bush/tree.
The comment with it was -Small cluster of white flowers and large gooseberry style fruit that appear hollow and have hairy fine prickly exterior up to about 5 inches round.
Does anyone have any idea what it could be?

 

Hi Peter. I think it may be the Balloonplant, a member of the Milkweed family ...

Gomphocarpus physocarpus - Wikipedia

Gomphocarpus physocarpus | Plantz Africa

Gomphocarpus physocarpus, Asclepias physocarpa, Baloonplant, Cotton Bush, Swan Plant, Balloon Plant, Family Jewels Milkweed Tree -

 

Brilliant Victoria, thank you - I have never seen it before. I will pass that information on.

Your reply has reminded me to show a picture of Pandorea jasminoides in the 'what's looking exotic' thread. You very kindly sent some seeds 5 years ago, and whilst it flowered a little bit last year, it has been absolutely lovely this year.

 

My friends Max and Dawn have just returned.


And what did they bring back..... some balls and some seedlings. So watch this space ......

 

Hi Peter, lucky you! ... I wouldn't mind trying a seed or two if going spare. I had Asclepias curassavica - Milkweed, Butterfly Weed years ago, the lovely yellow/orange variety, which grew wild in one of our small garden centers (so it was free), haven't seen it since.

Oh, found a picture ... gosh it was 2008 ...

 

Hi Victoria - I do have some seeds plus the balls - but I am not sure if they are ripe or will ripen. Lets wait a few days to let the seedlings settle down, and if all goes well I will send you one of those. The least I could do for the only person to identify it.

I am currently growing Asclepias curassavica, and have done for some years. I love it because it flowers for such a long time. I am sure there will be seeds later in the year, and will make a note to let you have some.

 

The bad news is that the small plants, that my friends lovingly brought back from Minorca, appear to be mainly grass!


However, the good news is that the balls have matured and broken open to show some healthy seeds. So if anyone wants any - just let me know.