Native Plants
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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
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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 TXANSWER:
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!
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