Inflated balloon-like fruits of heartseed, Cardiospermum halicacabu, hide small, black seeds that are marked with a beige, heart-shaped scar. This native vine of Central America has entered into the folklore of other regions. In Nigeria stems and leaves are woven into wreaths for Ashanti chiefs to wear at funerals and ceremonial occasions.2 According to Hawaiian legend, a lei of the plant worn on the head and then thrown into the sea will get rid of a headache.3
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