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What is Asclepiadaceae?

Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee

The plant family Asclepiadaceae, also known as the milkweed family, is believed to consist of about 280 genera and 2,000 species of flowering shrubs and herbs. Plants of the milkweed family typically produce five-petaled blooms and white sap. Seeds of these plants typically form in pods, and most plants produce tufted seeds that blow away on the wind when the mature pods open. Members of the Asclepiadaceae family are often cultivated as ornamentals, and some may be familiar as lawn weeds.

Plants of the family Asclepiadaceae are commonly known as milkweeds because they generally produce a sticky, white sap reminiscent of milk. Most species produce five-petaled, symmetrical blooms. In some species, blooms can be quite colorful and attractive. Most plants of the Asclepiadaceae family produce pod fruits, filled with small seeds. Silky tufts on these seeds typically catch the wind when the mature pod opens, spreading the seeds on the breeze.

Milkweed can be used to treat rattlesnake bites.
Milkweed can be used to treat rattlesnake bites.

Some species in this plant family rely on flies to pollinate them. Species such as the carrion flower, or Aclepias Huernia, and hoodia, or Asclepias stapelia, normally attract fly pollinators by excreting foul odors reminiscent of decomposing flesh. These aromatics can attract the flies that pollinate these plants. Other species, however, produce fragrances considered pleasant, such as the Stephanotis floribunda or Madagascar jasmine.

The plant family Asclepiadaceae has been used for treating ringworm.
The plant family Asclepiadaceae has been used for treating ringworm.

Familiar members of the Asclepiadaceae family might include the showy milkweed, or Asclepias speciosa. The showy milkweed is considered a relatively common North American wild flower. Native Americans are believed to have used the fibrous stems of this plant to produce rope, string, and fabric. Native peoples may have considered some parts of this plant edible, and it is believed that the sap of the showy milkweed was once used to make chewing gum. It was used medicinally to treat rattlesnake bites, cuts, burns, ringworm, and warts, among other conditions.

All types of milkweed plants are toxic, producing a sticky, milky sap within the stems and leaves which can be irritating to the skin.
All types of milkweed plants are toxic, producing a sticky, milky sap within the stems and leaves which can be irritating to the skin.

Showy milkweed can be found growing wild throughout most of North America. Some gardeners also cultivate this wild flower as a garden feature. Gardeners generally appreciate the plant's purple and pink blooms, and find it hardy and easy to care for. The showy milkweed has a reputation for attracting butterflies and bees into the garden.

Other species of the Asclepiadaceae family, such as the pitcher plant, or Dischidia rafflesiana, and wax flower, or Hoya carnosa, are also popular as outdoor garden plants and indoor potted plants. Many species are hardy and productive colorful, fragrant blooms that draw butterflies, bees, and birds into the garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Asclepiadaceae?

Asclepiadaceae, commonly known as the milkweed family, is a group of flowering plants that was once recognized as a distinct family but has now been integrated into the Apocynaceae family. These plants are characterized by their unique floral structures and milky sap, which contains complex compounds that can be toxic to certain animals.

What are some common plants in the Asclepiadaceae family?

Common plants in the former Asclepiadaceae family include the well-known milkweeds (genus Asclepias), such as the butterfly milkweed and the common milkweed, which are crucial for monarch butterflies. Other notable members are the African succulent genus Stapelia and the tropical climber genus Hoya, often grown as houseplants for their waxy flowers.

Why are Asclepiadaceae plants important for the environment?

Asclepiadaceae plants, particularly milkweeds, play a vital ecological role by providing habitat and food for insects, including the monarch butterfly. Monarch caterpillars rely exclusively on milkweed leaves for nourishment, making these plants essential for their survival and the continuation of the monarch's migratory life cycle.

How do Asclepiadaceae plants adapt to their environment?

Many Asclepiadaceae plants have adapted to survive in harsh conditions through features like thick, fleshy leaves and stems that store water, making them well-suited to arid environments. Their complex flowers are adapted for specialized pollination, often involving intricate mechanisms to ensure effective transfer of pollen by their insect visitors.

Are Asclepiadaceae plants used in traditional medicine?

Yes, several Asclepiadaceae plants have been used in traditional medicine across different cultures. For example, various species of milkweed have been used for their medicinal properties, such as treating warts and other skin conditions. However, due to their toxic compounds, they must be used with caution and knowledge.

Can Asclepiadaceae plants be grown in gardens?

Absolutely, many Asclepiadaceae plants are popular in gardens due to their attractive flowers and ability to attract wildlife like butterflies. Milkweeds, in particular, are often planted to support monarch butterfly populations. They can thrive in a range of conditions but typically prefer sunny spots with well-drained soil.

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    • Milkweed can be used to treat rattlesnake bites.
      By: AZP Worldwide
      Milkweed can be used to treat rattlesnake bites.
    • The plant family Asclepiadaceae has been used for treating ringworm.
      By: schankz
      The plant family Asclepiadaceae has been used for treating ringworm.
    • All types of milkweed plants are toxic, producing a sticky, milky sap within the stems and leaves which can be irritating to the skin.
      By: Waraphan
      All types of milkweed plants are toxic, producing a sticky, milky sap within the stems and leaves which can be irritating to the skin.