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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

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Saturday - November 03, 2012

From: Bertram, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Identification, Vines
Title: Identity of vine with green flowers
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

What is this trailing plant with half inch green flowers with gold metallic centers? Looks like a milkweed plant or gourd plant of some kind. I found it off Hamilton Pool road. West of Austin TX

ANSWER:

Your description sounds like Matelea reticulata (Green milkweed vine).  It is, indeed, a member of the Family Asclepidaceae (Milkweed Family) and, as such, is host to Monarch and Queen butterflies.  All in all, it is a most charming plant!

 

From the Image Gallery


Pearl milkweed vine
Matelea reticulata

Pearl milkweed vine
Matelea reticulata

Pearl milkweed vine
Matelea reticulata

Pearl milkweed vine
Matelea reticulata

Pearl milkweed vine
Matelea reticulata

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