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Description
Matelea Hirtelliflora, commonly known as the Green Milkweed Vine or Pearl Milkweed Vine, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Asclepiadaceae family. This plant is native to the southeastern United States, Mexico, and Central America. The Green Milkweed Vine is a climbing plant that can reach up to 10 feet in height, and it produces beautiful and delicate greenish-white flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Asclepiadaceae |
| Genus | Matelea |
Appearance
The Green Milkweed Vine has thin and twining stems that are covered with fine hairs. The leaves are opposite, simple, and oval-shaped, with a dark green color and a slightly glossy texture. The flowers are small, greenish-white, and star-shaped, and they bloom from May to September. The fruits are long and slender pods that contain numerous seeds.
Care Guide
Water
The Green Milkweed Vine prefers well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, especially during hot and dry weather. Reduce watering during the winter months.
Fertilization
Fertilize the Green Milkweed Vine with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause the plant to produce excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.
Soil
The Green Milkweed Vine prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal. If the soil is too heavy or compacted, mix in some sand or perlite to improve drainage.
Sunlight
The Green Milkweed Vine prefers full sun to partial shade. Provide at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day for best growth and flowering.
Hardiness Zones
The Green Milkweed Vine is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11. In colder zones, it can be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Green Milkweed Vine is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it may be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant may also develop fungal diseases such as powdery mildew or leaf spot, which can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
The Green Milkweed Vine is native to the southeastern United States, Mexico, and Central America. It grows in a variety of habitats, including pine forests, oak woodlands, prairies, and disturbed areas. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Green Milkweed Vine poisonous?
A: Yes, the Green Milkweed Vine is toxic to humans and animals if ingested. The sap of the plant can cause skin irritation in some people.
Q: Can the Green Milkweed Vine be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the Green Milkweed Vine can be grown indoors in a bright and sunny location. The plant may need to be pruned to keep it from becoming too large.
Q: How often should I prune the Green Milkweed Vine?
A: Prune the Green Milkweed Vine in the spring to remove any dead or damaged branches. You can also prune the plant to control its size or shape.
Q: Does the Green Milkweed Vine attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the Green Milkweed Vine is a host plant for the Monarch butterfly, and it attracts other pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.
Related Plants
- Matelea reticulata
- Matelea gonocarpos
- Matelea decipiens
- Matelea cyclophylla
References
- “Matelea hirtelliflora.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – The University of Texas at Austin, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MAHI7.
- “Matelea hirtelliflora.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j660.
- “Green Milkweed Vine – Matelea hirtelliflora.” Florida Native Plant Society, fnps.org/plants/plant/matelea-hirtelliflora.
