Unique tropical milkweed from Africa that is hardy to zone 9, but grown as an annual in cooler climates. Monarchs love it! The young larvae feed on the leaves and the adults return to enjoy the nectar. Easy to grow from seed in full sun. The plants can reach 6 feet tall. The flowers of this milkweed are white with maroon centers. Flowers are followed by unusual fruits that look like hairy, inflated spheres - hence it's other common name "Hairy Balls". The pale green, soft, almost translucent, bladder-like follicles, covered with soft hair-like spines, swell to up to 3 inches in diameter. All parts of this plant exude milky white latex that is mildly poisonous if ingested.