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Description
Matelea Crenata, also known as Pearlmilkweed Vine or Anglepod, is a perennial vine native to southern and eastern United States. It belongs to the Asclepiadaceae family, which is the same family as milkweeds. The plant has a unique appearance and is valued for its ornamental qualities. It blooms in summer and produces small, fragrant, greenish-white flowers that turn into interesting seedpods shaped like a lantern.
Taxonomic Information
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Gentianales
Family: Asclepiadaceae
Genus: Matelea
Appearance
The Matelea Crenata vine can grow up to 6 feet in height and 3 feet in width. It has twining stems and glossy, oval-shaped leaves that are 2-4 inches long. The leaves are arranged alternately and have a dark green color with lighter veins. The flowers are small and star-shaped, and they grow in clusters at the end of the stems. The seedpods are the most unique feature of this plant. They are about 1 inch long and 0.5 inch wide, and they have a waxy texture with a light green color. As they mature, the seedpods turn brown and develop a papery texture. The seedpods are often used in dried floral arrangements.
Care Guide
Water: Matelea Crenata prefers moist soil, so it’s important to water it regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
Fertilization: The plant doesn’t require much fertilization, but you can feed it with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil pH of 6.0-7.5 is ideal.
Sunlight: Matelea Crenata prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can reduce its bloom and growth.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy to USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Matelea Crenata is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it can be affected by spider mites and aphids. To control these pests, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by leaf spot and powdery mildew, which can be controlled with fungicides.
Habitat
Matelea Crenata is native to the southeastern and eastern United States, from Texas to Virginia. It grows in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, fields, and roadsides. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate both sunny and partially shaded areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Matelea Crenata be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers, but you need to make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should I prune my Matelea Crenata?
A: You can prune the plant in late winter or early spring to control its size and shape. Remove any dead or damaged stems and cut back the remaining stems by one-third.
Q: Does the plant attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Matelea Crenata is a host plant for Monarch butterflies, and it also attracts other pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.
Q: Is the plant toxic?
A: Yes, the plant contains toxic compounds, so it should not be ingested by humans or animals.
Related Plants
- Matelea Gonocarpos
- Matelea Obliqua
- Matelea Decipiens
- Matelea Alabamensis
- Matelea Carolina
References
- “Matelea Crenata.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277405. Accessed 27 July 2021.
- “Pearlmilkweed Vine.” North Carolina State University, plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/matelea-crenata/. Accessed 27 July 2021.
- “Matelea Crenata.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MACR. Accessed 27 July 2021.
