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Marcus, Joseph A.

Matelea biflora

Matelea biflora (Raf.) Woodson

Star Milkvine, Purple Milkweed Vine

Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed Family)

Synonym(s): Gonolobus biflorus

USDA Symbol: MABI6

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

From the Image Gallery

22 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Vine
Fruit Type: Follicle
Size Notes: Stems prostrate, up to about 2 feet long.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Purple , Brown
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: NM , OK , TX
Native Habitat: Common throughout the Central Texas in pastures, prairies and open ground; usually in chalky soil.

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Conditions Comments: Trailing vine graced by five-petaled star-shaped deep purplish-brown flowers. The stems of the vine grow from a central rootstock and extend to about 2 feet in length.

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

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From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Texas Discovery Gardens - Dallas, TX
Patsy Glenn Refuge, c/o Wimberley Birding Society - Wimberley, TX
Texas Master Naturalists - Lost Pines Chapter - Bastrop, TX
NPSOT - Austin Chapter - Austin, TX
NPSOT - Williamson County Chapter - Georgetown, TX

Herbarium Specimen(s)

NPSOT 0371 Collected May 14, 1993 in Comal County by Mary Beth White
NPSOT 0658 Collected Jun 12,1992 in Bexar County by Harry Cliffe

2 specimen(s) available in the Digital Herbarium

Bibliography

Bibref 286 - Wildflowers of the Texas Hill Country (1989) Enquist, M.

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Web Reference

Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

USDA: Find Matelea biflora in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Matelea biflora in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Matelea biflora

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-02-17
Research By: TWC Staff

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