Asclepiadaceae, Milkweed Family
(Sub-family within family Apocynaceae)
Asclepiadaceae, commonly known as the Milkweed Family is now subfamily Asclepiadoideae in the larger Apocynaceae Family.
Milkweeds include perennial forb/herbs, several twining bushes and shrub, lianas and seldom trees. The type species is Asclepias. In addition to Asclepias, this family includes the Stapeliae with their strange "rotted meat" or "carrion" fragrance that attracts flies necessary to pollinate the flowers and leafless stem succulents.
Family characteristics; leaves opposite, simple, entire, latex production; highly structured floral structure (specific pollen vectors).
Members of this family can be found in the tropics, subtropics (Africa and South America) and temperate areas.
There are over 190 accepted species in Asclepias. The entire Asclepiadoideae contain about 350 genera and 2,900 species. In North America there are 43 Genera and 170 accepted taxa overall.
- Asclepias angustifolia, Arizona Milkweed
- Asclepias asperula, Antelope Horns Milkweed
- Asclepias curassavica, Mexican Butterfly Weed
- Asclepias involucrata, Dwarf Milkweed
- Asclepias linaria, Pineneedle Milkweed
- Asclepias subulata, Rush Milkweed
- Asclepias subverticillata, Horsetail Milkweed
- Funastrum cynanchoides, Fringed Twinevine (= Sarcostemma cynanchoides)
- Matelea parvifolia, Spearleaf
- Matelea producta, Texas Milkvine
- Sarcostemma cynanchoides, Fringed Twinevine