Bladderflower is a fast growing perennial vine introduced from South America. It is primarily found in citrus groves, orchards, and disturbed areas. Severe infestations may cause extensive losses by girdling tree branches and forming a dense canopy in the treetops, which increases competition for light, and reduces yields. Twining vines may also interfere with pruning practices. Seeds germinate in the spring and may produce a 20-30 ft vine the first year.
Vines are capable of blooming in late summer and producing viable seed the first year.
Both facilitate wind dispersal, a characteristic typical of many milkweeds in the Asclepiadaceae. There is very little information on the control of bladderflower. Eliminating seed production is critical to prevent rapid spread. Severing the vines at the base during early flowering may be effective. However, established vines resprout from the crown, and possibly from roots and underground stems.