Identifying Mom's Mystery Vine: Balloon Vine vs. Balsam Apple

Danny previously asked about his mother's 1970s vine. Told it was Chinese bitter cucumber—incorrect. Description: 10–12 ft climber, oak-like leaves with rounded edges, egg-shaped seed pod (3–4" around, 4–5" long, dark green), ripens orange inside/out, splits open opposite stem attachment, edges flare like a flower, black quarter-sized seeds, dried seeds resemble gourd seeds. Called "Korean vine."

Two Candidates

1. Balsam-apple (Momordica charantia): Pale yellow flowers, warty orange fruits, red sticky seeds. (Seeds red, not black.)
2. Balloon Vine (Cardiospermum grandiflorum): Orange/yellow capsules split open, releasing black seeds. Matches black seed description.

Growing Notes

Balloon vine is invasive. Grow in a pot to contain. May not overwinter outside deep south. Seed source: Seed Library.