Matelea reticulata
Family: Asclepiadaceae
Plant Description: Perennial vine with twining, hairy stems to 5 m or higher. Leaves cordate-ovoid, 5-12 cm long with basal lobes curling inward. Stems with milky sap. Flower in umbel-like cymes, the corolla lobed 4.5-6 mm long, pale green, netted with green-purple. Seeds with long white hairs.
Field Identification:
Plant Trivia: Hairs on seeds act like small parachutes carrying the seed long distances on a windy day.
Occurrence: Frequent of various soils in pastures, oak motts, and along streambeds and in woods.
Bloom Period: April – October
Plant Use:
Key to the Genus Matelea:
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Stems climbing…………………………………………………………………………………………..2
