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Smith, R.W.

Matelea obliqua

Matelea obliqua (Jacq.) Woodson

Limerock Milkvine, Climbing Milkvine, Climbing Milkweed, Angle-pod, Oblique Milkvine, Northern Spinypod

Asclepiadaceae (Milkweed Family)

Synonym(s): Gonolobus obliquus, Gonolobus shortii, Matelea shortii, Odontostephana obliqua, Odontostephana shortii, Vincetoxicum obliquum, Vincetoxicum shortii

USDA Symbol: MAOB2

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

State-listed Endangered species in MD and PA. State-listed Threatened species in IL and OH. State-listed Rare species in IN.

From the Image Gallery

3 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb , Vine
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Arrangement: Opposite
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Cordate , Ovate
Leaf Venation: Palmate
Leaf Base: Cordate
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Inflorescence: Umbel
Fruit Type: Follicle
Leaf: Heart-shaped; 4-9 inches in length.
Flower: Flowers have five narrow, often twisted petals. Flower color is variously described as maroon, burgundy, brownish-purple or rose. Rare specimens bear cream-colored flowers.
Fruit: A muricate follicle to about 4 inches in length.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Red , Purple
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct

Distribution

USA: AL , DC , GA , IL , IN , KY , MD , MO , MS , NC , OH , PA , TN , VA , WV
Native Distribution: US Southeast and eastern Midwest.
Native Habitat: Mesic to dry forests, woodlands, barrens, and clearings over calcareous and mafic rocks. Infrequent in the mountains, at low elevations; rare in the Piedmont. Webref 19.

Web Reference

Webref 19 - Digital Atlas of the Virginia Flora (2014) Virginia Botanical Associates, Blacksburg, VA.

Additional resources

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-01-10
Research By: Joseph A. Marcus

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