Matelea reticulata
| Matelea reticulata | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Genus: | Matelea |
| Species: | M. reticulata |
| Binomial name | |
| Matelea reticulata | |
Matelea reticulata, commonly called Pearl Milkweed Vine, Netted Milkvine, Green Milkweed Vine, Net Vein Milkvine,[1] is a species of flowering plant in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). It is native North America, where it is endemic to the U.S. state of Texas.[2][3]
Description
Matelea reticulata is an herbaceous perennial vine that can reach up to 12 ft in length[2]. In the spring and summer it produces green-white, star-shaped flowers with a glistening "pearl" in the center[2]. It fruits from May through February, producing large, spiked seed pods which open to release seeds attached to soft, silky threads[2].
Habitat
Matelea reticulata is found in thickets on rocky hillsides[4]. It prefers dry, sandy or rocky soil[2].
Ecology
Matelea reticulata, like all milkweeds, is a larval host to Queen and Monarch butterflies. Milkweeds contain cardiac glycosides which the caterpillars and adult butterflies store in their bodies to deter vertebrate predators.[5][6]
References
- ↑ NRCS. "Matelea reticulata". PLANTS Database. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 28 April 2018.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Matelea reticulata Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Society
- ↑ Kartesz, John T. (2014). "Matelea reticulata". County-level distribution map from the North American Plant Atlas (NAPA). Biota of North America Program (BONAP). Retrieved 28 April 2018.
- ↑ Diggs, George; Lipscomb, Barney; O'Kennon, Robert (1999). Flora of North Central Texas. Botanical Research Institute of Texas. p. 287.
- ↑ "Monarch Danaus plexippus (Linnaeus, 1758) | Butterflies and Moths of North America". www.butterfliesandmoths.org. Retrieved 2026-03-23.
- ↑ "Queen Danaus gilippus (Cramer, 1776) | Butterflies and Moths of North America". www.butterfliesandmoths.org. Retrieved 2026-03-23.
External links
