Overview of Asclepiadaceae
Asclepiadaceae is a family of flowering plants, commonly known as the milkweed family. The family is named after the genus Asclepias, which is one of the largest genera within the family. As of 2021, the family has over 2,000 species, primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
Classification and Taxonomy of Asclepiadaceae
Asclepiadaceae is part of the order Gentianales, which also includes coffee and gardenias. It was previously classified under the order Asclepiadales, which also included the family Apocynaceae. However, recent genetic studies have shown that the two families are closely related and should be combined.
The Asclepiadaceae family is divided into around 240 genera, including the genera Asclepias, Ceropegia, and Stapelia. The family is further divided into four subfamilies: Asclepiadoideae, Periplocoideae, Secamonoideae, and Raphionacidoideae.
Unique Characteristics of Asclepiadaceae
One of the most distinguishing features of Asclepiadaceae is the presence of specialized structures called pollinia. Pollinia are masses of pollen that are designed to attach to the bodies of pollinators and ensure efficient pollination.
Another unique characteristic of the family is the presence of milky sap in many of its species. This sap contains toxic compounds that help deter herbivores from eating the plant.
In addition, many species within Asclepiadaceae have evolved unique adaptations to attract pollinators, such as developing elaborate floral structures or emitting attractive scents.
Distribution of Asclepiadaceae Family
The Asclepiadaceae family, commonly known as milkweeds or Asclepiads, is distributed across almost all parts of the world. The family consists of approximately 2,000 species of herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees worldwide. The plants in this family are mostly found in tropical and subtropical regions, but some species can also be found in temperate and even arctic regions.
Asclepiadaceae is widely distributed among different countries of the world. It is found in most parts of Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Australia. Some countries where the family is found include Mexico, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Peru, South Africa, Australia, and India. The plants in this family have adapted to different climatic conditions, from arid deserts to tropical rainforests and even cool alpine habitats.
Habitat of Asclepiadaceae Family
The plants in the Asclepiadaceae family are found growing typically in natural habitats such as grasslands, savannas, forests, deserts, and wetlands. Most of these herbaceous plants grow in open habitats like grasslands and savannas, where they can receive adequate sunlight. The shrubs and trees of this family grow in relatively shady places like forests, woodlands, and riparian areas.
Asclepiadaceae plants are spread across a range of soil types from very sandy to clayey soil. Some species grow well in acidic soils, while others prefer a more alkaline environment. The family is known for its ability to grow in poor soil conditions such as areas with low fertility, high salt content, high pH, and nutrient-poor soils. Some species grow epiphytically on rocks or trees, while others grow terrestrially.
The plants in this family have adapted to different ecological preferences and exhibited various adaptations to prevent herbivory. For example, some Asclepiadaceae species produce toxic latex that deters herbivores, while others have evolved special structures like spines or hairs, which protect them from herbivores.
Introduction
The Asclepiadaceae family, also known as the milkweed family, is a diverse group of plants consisting of around 200 genera and over 2500 species. They are mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions.Morphology and Structure
Most plants in this family are herbaceous, but some are woody. They have a unique growth habit consisting of opposite or whorled leaves along a single stem that may climb, twine, or trail. The stems are often succulent and may have milky sap.Anatomical Features and Adaptations
Plants in this family have several adaptations that help them survive in harsh environments. For instance, their leaves are often reduced in size or modified into spines, which helps them conserve water in arid regions. Also, they have a unique floral structure consisting of five fused petals that form a hood or crown-like shape called the corona. The corona often contains nectar that attracts pollinators.Leaf Shapes
The leaves of plants in Asclepiadaceae family come in different shapes and sizes. For instance, the leaves of the Hoya plant are often thick and waxy, while those of the Stapelia are modified into spines.Flower Structures
The flowers of plants in this family have a unique structure. They consist of five fused petals that form a corolla with a central stamen that has a fused anther. The corona is often present and may vary in shape and size among different genera. The flowers are usually brightly colored and nectar-producing to attract pollinators.Distinctive Characteristics
One of the most distinctive characteristics of this family is the presence of milky sap. Another feature is the presence of seeds with a tuft of silky hairs that aid in wind dispersal. In general, plants in this family are known for their ornamental value, medicinal properties, and ecological importance.Reproductive Strategies in Asclepiadaceae Family
The plants in the Asclepiadaceae family employ various reproductive strategies, which make them interesting to study. The family is known for its unique mechanisms of reproduction, which include both sexual and asexual methods.
Mechanisms of Reproduction
One of the most common methods of reproduction used by Asclepiadaceae plants is sexual reproduction. This process involves the transfer of pollen from the male to the female reproductive organs. Typically, the male organs comprise a pair of sac-like structures called pollinia. The pollinia attach to the legs or proboscis of pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which transfer them to the female reproductive organs. In some cases, members of the family can self-pollinate, especially if the pollinators are scarce or absent.
Another mechanism employed by Asclepiadaceae plants is asexual reproduction. The family has a diverse range of species, some of which can reproduce vegetatively by producing roots and shoots from their stems. The resulting new plants are clones of the parent plant.
Flowering Patterns and Pollination Strategies
Asclepiadaceae plants have a characteristic flowering pattern that involves the development of complex structures. The flowers of these plants are typically pentamerous, meaning they are composed of five petals. They have a central corona, which is a cup-shaped structure that helps to attract pollinators. Some members of the family have extra-floral nectaries that produce sweet nectar, which also attracts pollinators.
The pollination strategies employed by members of the Asclepiadaceae family are diverse. Their pollinators range from bees and butterflies to moths and even birds. Certain species have developed unique adaptations that help them interact with their preferred pollinators. For example, some plants have evolved long “nectar tubes,” which can extend up to 30 cm long, to accommodate the proboscis of their pollinators.
Seed Dispersal Methods and Adaptations
Seed dispersal is an essential part of the reproductive cycle, and Asclepiadaceae plants have developed several adaptations to disperse their seeds. Some species have developed long, slender pods that split open when mature, scattering the seeds in the wind. Others have evolved “parachute” structures that help to carry the seeds over long distances.
Members of the Asclepiadaceae family have also developed fascinating adaptations against predators. Some species produce toxic chemicals that repel herbivores, while others mimic the appearance of toxic plants to deter predators. Additionally, the milky sap found in some species can also be toxic, helping to deter herbivores.
Economic Importance
The Asclepiadaceae family comprises about 290 genera and over 2000 species of plants. This family has a plethora of economic uses, including medicinal, culinary, and industrial applications. One of the most prominent uses of the plants in this family is in traditional medicine. Various species are used as natural remedies to treat diseases such as asthma, diabetes, and cancer. The genus Asclepias, for instance, is commonly used to treat pulmonary diseases, including tuberculosis, pneumonia, and asthma. Additionally, the stem latex of many species of Asclepiadaceae is used to manufacture rubber. The milkweed plant, which belongs to the Asclepiadaceae family, is used to make mattresses, pillows, and life jackets.
Ecological Importance
The Asclepiadaceae family plays a vital ecological role in many ecosystems. Many species of this family have adapted to grow in environments with harsh conditions, including arid regions, rocky slopes, and sandy soils. The family serves as a host to several species of insects, including monarch butterfly caterpillars, milkweed bugs, and beetle larvae. Moreover, the family's flowers are known for their distinct structure, coloration, and fragrance, which attract a broad range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Conservation Status and Efforts
Several species within the Asclepiadaceae family are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss, overgrazing, and human activities such as agricultural development. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists several species under the Critically Endangered, Endangered, and Vulnerable categories. For instance, Ceropegia ampliata, a climbing species endemic to Madagascar, is classified as critically endangered. Conservation efforts are ongoing to preserve and restore the habitats of these species. The IUCN Red List also indicates that several species of Asclepiadaceae are being cultivated by botanic gardens and other institutions to promote their conservation.
Featured plants from the Asclepiadaceae family
More plants from the Asclepiadaceae family
- Acerates angustifolia (Nutt.) Dcne. - >>asclepias Stenophylla
- Acerates auriculata Engelm. ex Torr. - >>asclepias Engelmanniana
- Acerates delticola Small - >>asclepias Longifolia
- Acerates floridana (Lam.) A.S. Hitchc. - >>asclepias Longifolia
- Acerates hirtella Pennell - >>asclepias Hirtella
- Acerates lanuginosa (Nutt.) Dcne. - >>asclepias Lanuginosa
- Acerates longifolia (Michx.) Ell. - >>asclepias Longifolia
- Acerates viridiflora (Raf.) Pursh ex Eat. - >>asclepias Viridiflora
- Acerates viridiflora (Raf.) Pursh ex Eat. var. ivesii Britt. - >>asclepias Viridiflora
- Acerates viridiflora (Raf.) Pursh ex Eat. var. linearis Gray - >>asclepias Viridiflora
- Ampelamus albidus (Nutt.) Britt. - >>cynanchum Laeve
- Amphistelma scoparia (Nutt.) Small - >>cynanchum Scoparium
- Anantherix connivens (Baldw.) Feay - >>asclepias Connivens
- Araujia Brot. - Araujia
- Araujia sericifera - Cruel Plant
- Araujia sericifera Brot. - White Bladderflower
- Araujia sericofera Brot. - Bladder Flower
- Asclepias aceratoides Nash - >>asclepias Curtissii
- Asclepias albicans S. Wats. - Whitestem Milkweed
- Asclepias amplexicaulis Sm. - Clasping Milkweed
- Asclepias angustifolia Schweig. - Arizona Milkweed
- Asclepias arenaria Torr. - Sand Milkweed
- Asclepias asperula - Antelope Horns
- Asclepias asperula (Dcne.) Woods. - Spider Milkweed
- Asclepias asperula (Dcne.) Woods. ssp. asperula - Spider Milkweed
- Asclepias asperula (Dcne.) Woods. ssp. capricornu (Woods.) Woods. - Antelopehorns
- Asclepias asperula (Dcne.) Woods. var. decumbens (Nutt.) Shinners - >>asclepias Asperula Ssp. Capricornu
- Asclepias auriculata (Engelm. ex Torr.) Holz. - >>asclepias Engelmanniana
- Asclepias bicknellii Vail - >>asclepias Exaltata
- Asclepias brachystephana
- Asclepias brachystephana Engelm. ex Torr. - Bract Milkweed
- Asclepias brevicornu Scheele - >>asclepias Oenotheroides
- Asclepias californica - California Milkweed
- Asclepias californica Greene - California Milkweed
- Asclepias californica Greene ssp. californica - California Milkweed
- Asclepias californica Greene ssp. greenei Woods. - Greene's Milkweed
- Asclepias capricornu Woods. - >>asclepias Asperula Ssp. Capricornu
- Asclepias capricornu Woods. ssp. occidentalis Woods. - >>asclepias Asperula Ssp. Capricornu
- Asclepias carnosa L. f. - >>hoya Carnosa
- Asclepias cinerea Walt. - Carolina Milkweed
- Asclepias connivens Baldw. - Largeflower Milkweed
- Asclepias cordifolia (Benth.) Jepson - Heartleaf Milkweed
- Asclepias cryptoceras S. Wats. - Pallid Milkweed
- Asclepias cryptoceras S. Wats. ssp. cryptoceras - Pallid Milkweed
- Asclepias cryptoceras S. Wats. ssp. davisii (Woods.) Woods. - Davis' Milkweed
- Asclepias cryptoceras S. Wats. var. davisii (Woods.) W.H. Baker - >>asclepias Cryptoceras Ssp. Davisii
- Asclepias curtissii Gray - Curtiss' Milkweed
- Asclepias cutleri Woods. - Cutler's Milkweed
- Asclepias davisii Woods. - >>asclepias Cryptoceras Ssp. Davisii
- Asclepias decumbens
- Asclepias decumbens (Nutt.) Dcne. - >>asclepias Asperula Ssp. Capricornu
- Asclepias eastwoodiana Barneby - >>asclepias Uncialis Ssp. Ruthiae
- Asclepias elata Benth. - >>asclepias Glaucescens
- Asclepias emoryi (Greene) Vail - Emory's Milkweed
- Asclepias engelmanniana Woods. - Engelmann's Milkweed
- Asclepias engelmanniana Woods. var. rusbyi (Vail) Kearney - >>asclepias Rusbyi
- Asclepias eriocarpa - Woollypod Milkweed
- Asclepias eriocarpa Benth. - Woollypod Milkweed
- Asclepias eriocarpa Benth. var. microcarpa Munz & Johnston - >>asclepias Eriocarpa
- Asclepias erosa - Desert Milkweed
- Asclepias erosa Torr. - Desert Milkweed
- Asclepias fascicularis Dcne. - Mexican Whorled Milkweed
- Asclepias feayi Chapman ex Gray - Florida Milkweed
- Asclepias fremontii Torr. ex Gray - >>asclepias Eriocarpa
- Asclepias galioides - Bedstraw Milkweed
- Asclepias galioides auct. non Kunth - >>asclepias Subverticillata
- Asclepias giffordii Eastw. - >>asclepias Speciosa
- Asclepias glaucescens Kunth - Nodding Milkweed
- Asclepias hallii - Purple Silkweed
- Asclepias hallii Gray - Hall's Milkweed
- Asclepias humistrata Walt. - Pinewoods Milkweed
- Asclepias hypoleuca (Gray) Woods. - Mahogany Milkweed
- Asclepias incarnata - Swamp Milkweed
- Asclepias incarnata L. - Swamp Milkweed
- Asclepias incarnata L. ssp. pulchra (Ehrh. ex Willd.) Woods. - Swamp Milkweed
- Asclepias incarnata L. var. neoscotica Fern. - >>asclepias Incarnata Ssp. Pulchra
- Asclepias incarnata L. var. pulchra (Ehrh. ex Willd.) Pers. - >>asclepias Incarnata Ssp. Pulchra
- Asclepias intermedia Vail - >>asclepias Syriaca
- Asclepias involucrata - Dwarf Milkweed
- Asclepias involucrata Engelm. ex Torr. - Dwarf Milkweed
- Asclepias kansana Vail - >>asclepias Syriaca
- Asclepias labriformis M.E. Jones - Utah Milkweed
- Asclepias lanceolata - Purple Silkweed
- Asclepias lanceolata Walt. - Fewflower Milkweed
- Asclepias lanceolata Walt. var. paupercula (Michx.) Fern. - >>asclepias Lanceolata
- Asclepias latifolia - Broadleaf Milkweed
- Asclepias latifolia (Torr.) Raf. - Broadleaf Milkweed
- Asclepias laurifolia Michx. - >>asclepias Rubra
- Asclepias lemmonii Gray - Lemmon's Milkweed
- Asclepias linaria Cav. - Pineneedle Milkweed
- Asclepias linearis Scheele - Slim Milkweed
- Asclepias longifolia Michx. - Longleaf Milkweed
- Asclepias longifolia Michx. var. hirtella (Pennell) Farmer & Bell - >>asclepias Hirtella
- Asclepias macrosperma Eastw. - >>asclepias Involucrata
- Asclepias macrotis Torr. - Longhood Milkweed
- Asclepias meadii Torr. ex Gray - Mead's Milkweed
- Asclepias mexicana
- Asclepias mexicana auct. non Cav. - >>asclepias Fascicularis
- Asclepias michauxii Dcne. - Michaux's Milkweed
- Asclepias nivea L. - Caribbean Milkweed
- Asclepias nummularia Torr. - Tufted Milkweed
- Asclepias nyctaginifolia Gray - Mojave Milkweed
- Asclepias obovata Ell. - Pineland Milkweed
- Asclepias oenotheroides Cham. & Schlecht. - Zizotes Milkweed
- Asclepias otarioides auct. non Fourn. - >>asclepias Lanuginosa
- Asclepias ovalifolia
- Asclepias pedicellata Walt. - Savannah Milkweed
- Asclepias perennis Walt. - Aquatic Milkweed
- Asclepias phytolaccoides Pursh - >>asclepias Exaltata
- Asclepias procera Ait. - >>calotropis Procera
- Asclepias prostrata Blackwell - Prostrate Milkweed
- Asclepias pulchra Ehrh. ex Willd. - >>asclepias Incarnata Ssp. Pulchra
- Asclepias pumila - Low Milkweed
- Asclepias pumila (Gray) Vail - Plains Milkweed
- Asclepias purpurascens - Purple Milkweed
- Asclepias quadrifolia - Fourleaf Milkweed
- Asclepias quinquedentata Gray - Slimpod Milkweed
- Asclepias rolfsii Britt. ex Vail - >>asclepias Tuberosa Ssp. Rolfsii
- Asclepias rubra - Red Silkweed
- Asclepias rubra L. - Red Milkweed
- Asclepias rusbyi (Vail) Woods. - Rusby's Milkweed
- Asclepias ruthiae Maguire - >>asclepias Uncialis Ssp. Ruthiae
- Asclepias sanjuanensis Heil, J.M. Porter & Welsh - >>asclepias Uncialis Ssp. Ruthiae
- Asclepias scaposa Vail - Bear Mountain Milkweed
- Asclepias solanoana Woods. - Serpentine Milkweed
- Asclepias speciosa - Showy Milkweed
- Asclepias sperryi Woods. - Sperry's Milkweed
- Asclepias stenophylla Gray - Slimleaf Milkweed
- Asclepias subulata - Rush Milkweed
- Asclepias subulata Dcne. - Rush Milkweed
- Asclepias subverticillata (Gray) Vail - Horsetail Milkweed
- Asclepias sullivantii
- Asclepias syriaca - Common Milkweed
- Asclepias syriaca L. var. kansana (Vail) Palmer & Steyermark - >>asclepias Syriaca
- Asclepias texana Heller - Texas Milkweed
- Asclepias tomentosa Ell. - Tuba Milkweed
- Asclepias tuberosa - Pleurisy Root
- Asclepias tuberosa L. - Butterfly Milkweed
- Asclepias tuberosa L. ssp. rolfsii (Britt. ex Vail) Woods. - Rolfs' Milkweed
- Asclepias tuberosa L. ssp. terminalis Woods. - >>asclepias Tuberosa Ssp. Interior
- Asclepias tuberosa L. ssp. tuberosa - Butterfly Milkweed
- Asclepias tuberosa L. var. interior (Woods.) Shinners - >>asclepias Tuberosa Ssp. Interior
- Asclepias uncialis Greene - Wheel Milkweed
- Asclepias uncialis Greene ssp. ruthiae (Maguire) Kartesz & Gandhi - Ruth's Milkweed
- Asclepias uncialis Greene ssp. uncialis - Wheel Milkweed
- Asclepias uncialis Greene var. ruthiae (Maguire) E. Sundell - >>asclepias Uncialis Ssp. Ruthiae
- Asclepias variegata L. - Redring Milkweed
- Asclepias vestita Hook. & Arn. - Woolly Milkweed
- Asclepias vestita Hook. & Arn. ssp. parishii (Jepson) Woods. - Parish's Woolly Milkweed
- Asclepias vestita Hook. & Arn. ssp. vestita - Woolly Milkweed
- Asclepias vestita Hook. & Arn. var. parishii Jepson - >>asclepias Vestita Ssp. Parishii
- Asclepias viridiflora - Green Milkweed
- Asclepias viridiflora Raf. var. lanceolata Torr. - >>asclepias Viridiflora
- Asclepias viridiflora Raf. var. linearis (Gray) Fern. - >>asclepias Viridiflora
- Asclepias viridiflora Raf. var. obovata (Ell.) Torr. - >>asclepias Obovata
- Asclepias viridis Walt. - Green Antelopehorn
- Asclepias viridula Chapman - Southern Milkweed
- Asclepias welshii N.& P. Holmgren - Welsh's Milkweed
- Asclepiodella feayi (Chapman ex Gray) Small - >>asclepias Feayi
- Asclepiodora decumbens (Nutt.) Gray - >>asclepias Asperula Ssp. Capricornu
- Asclepiodora viridis (Walt.) Gray - >>asclepias Viridis
- Astephanus utahensis Engelm. - >>cynanchum Utahense
- Basistelma angustifolia (Torr.) Bartlett, non Cynanchum angustifolium Pers. - >>cynanchum Wigginsii
- Biventraria variegata (L.) Small - >>asclepias Variegata
- Calotropis R. Br. - Calotropis
- Caralluma R. Br. - Caralluma
- Caralluma russelliana (Courbon ex Brongn.) Cufod.
- Ceropegia Cass. - Ceropegia
- Ceropegia woodii Schltr. - Hearts Entangled
- Chymocormus edulis (Thunb.) Harv.
- Cryptostegia grandiflora (Roxb. ex R. Br.) R. Br. - Palay Rubbervine
- Cryptostegia madagascariensis Bojer ex Dcne. - Madagascar Rubbervine
- Cryptostegia R. Br. - Rubbervine
- Cyclodon alabamense (Vail) Small - >>matelea Alabamensis
- Cynanchum acutum
- Cynanchum amplexicaule
- Cynanchum anegadense (Britt.) Alain - Caribbean Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum angustifolium Pers. - Gulf Coast Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum arizonicum (Gray) Shinners - Arizona Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum arnottianum
- Cynanchum atratum - Bai Wei
- Cynanchum barbigerum (Scheele) Shinners - Bearded Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum barbigerum (Scheele) Shinners var. breviflorum Shinners - >>cynanchum Pringlei
- Cynanchum blodgettii (Gray) Shinners - Blodgett's Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum caudatum
- Cynanchum cheesmanii Woods. - Cheesman's Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum cubense (A. Rich.) Woods. - Cuban Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum ephedroides (Griseb.) Alain - Puerto Rico Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum glaucescens
- Cynanchum grisebachianum (Schlechter) Alain - Grisebach's Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum japonicum
- Cynanchum L. - Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum laeve (Michx.) Pers. - Honeyvine
- Cynanchum ligulatum (Benth.) Woods. - Mexican Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum lineare (Bello) Alain - West Indian Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum louiseae Kartesz & Gandhi - Louis' Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum maccartii Shinners - Maccart's Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum maritimum (Jacq.) Jacq. - >>matelea Maritima
- Cynanchum medium auct. non R. Br. - >>cynanchum Rossicum
- Cynanchum monense (Britt.) Alain - Mona Island Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum nigrum (L.) Pers., non Cav. - >>cynanchum Louiseae
- Cynanchum northropiae (Schlechter) Alain - Fragrant Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum palmeri (S. Wats.) Blake - >>cynanchum Racemosum Var. Unifarium
- Cynanchum palmeri (S. Wats.) Shinners, non (S. Wats.) Blake - >>cynanchum Maccartii
- Cynanchum palustre (Pursh) Heller - >>cynanchum Angustifolium
- Cynanchum paniculatum
- Cynanchum parviflorum Sw. - Smallflower Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum peraffine Woods. - >>cynanchum Cubense
- Cynanchum pringlei (Gray) Henrickson - Pringle's Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum racemosum (Jacq.) Jacq. - Talayote
- Cynanchum racemosum (Jacq.) Jacq. var. unifarium (Scheele) E. Sundell - Talayote
- Cynanchum rossicum (Kleopov) Barbarich - European Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum scoparium Nutt. - Leafless Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum sibiricum
- Cynanchum sinaloense (Brandeg.) Woods. - >>cynanchum Ligulatum
- Cynanchum stauntonii
- Cynanchum unifarium (Scheele) Woods. - >>cynanchum Racemosum Var. Unifarium
- Cynanchum utahense (Engelm.) Woods. - Utah Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum wigginsii Shinners - Wiggins' Swallow-wort
- Edisonia pubiflora (Dcne.) Small - >>matelea Pubiflora
- Edithcolea grandis N.E. Br. - Persian Carpet Flower
- Edithcolea N.E. Br. - Persian Carpet Flower
- Epicion northropiae (Schlechter) Small - >>cynanchum Northropiae
- Funastrum clausum (Jacq.) Schlechter - White Twinevine
- Funastrum crispum (Benth.) Schlechter - Wavyleaf Twinevine
- Funastrum cynanchoides (Dcne.) Schlechter - Fringed Twinevine
- Funastrum cynanchoides (Dcne.) Schlechter ssp. cynanchoides - Fringed Twinevine
- Funastrum cynanchoides (Dcne.) Schlechter ssp. heterophyllum (Vail) Kartesz, comb. nov. ined. - Hartweg's Twinevine
- Funastrum cynanchoides (Dcne.) Schlechter var. subtruncatum (B.L. Robins. & Fern.) J.F. Macbr. - >>funastrum Cynanchoides Ssp. Cynanchoides
- Funastrum Fourn. - Twinevine
- Funastrum heterophyllum (Engelm. ex Torr.) Standl. - >>funastrum Cynanchoides Ssp. Heterophyllum
- Funastrum hirtellum (Gray) Schlechter - Hairy Milkweed
- Funastrum lineare (Dcne.) J.F. Macbr. - >>funastrum Cynanchoides Ssp. Heterophyllum
- Funastrum torreyi (Gray) Schlechter - Soft Twinevine
- Gomphocarpus cordifolius Benth. - >>asclepias Cordifolia
- Gomphocarpus physocarpus E. Mey. - >>asclepias Physocarpa
- Gonolobus arizonicus (Gray) Woods. - >>matelea Arizonica
- Gonolobus baldwynianus Sweet - >>matelea Baldwyniana
- Gonolobus biflorus Raf. - >>matelea Biflora
- Gonolobus californicus Jepson - >>matelea Parvifolia
- Gonolobus carolinensis (Jacq.) R. Br. ex J.A. Schultes, non Nutt. - >>matelea Carolinensis
- Gonolobus cubensis A. Rich. - >>cynanchum Cubense
- Gonolobus cynanchoides Engelm. - >>matelea Cynanchoides
- Gonolobus decipiens (Alexander) Perry - >>matelea Decipiens
- Gonolobus gonocarpos (Walt.) Perry - >>matelea Gonocarpos
- Gonolobus laevis Michx. - >>cynanchum Laeve
- Gonolobus Michx. - Gonolobus
- Gonolobus obliquus (Jacq.) R. Br. ex J.A. Schultes - >>matelea Obliqua
- Gonolobus parviflorus Torr. var. brevicoronatus B.L. Robins. - >>matelea Brevicoronata
- Gonolobus parvifolius Torr. - >>matelea Parvifolia
- Gonolobus productus Torr. - >>matelea Producta
- Gonolobus reticulatus Engelm. ex Gray - >>matelea Reticulata
- Gonolobus sagittifolius Gray - >>matelea Sagittifolia
- Gonolobus shortii Gray - >>matelea Obliqua
- Gonolobus sintenisii Schlechter - >>matelea Sintenisii
- Gonolobus stephanotrichus Griseb. - Anglepod
- Gonolobus suberosus auct. non (L.) R. Br. - >>matelea Gonocarpos
- Gonolobus variifolius Schlechter - >>matelea Variifolia
- Gymnema R. Br. - Gymnema
- Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) Schultes - Miracle Fruit
- Haemax dregei E.Mey.
- Hoya carnosa (L. f.) R. Br. - Porcelainflower
- Hoya R. Br. - Hoya
- Ibatia maritima (Jacq.) Dcne. - >>matelea Maritima
- Lachnostoma arizonicum Gray - >>matelea Arizonica
- Leichhardtia leptophylla - Milk Vine
- Lobostephanus palmatus N.E.Br.
- Lyonia palustris (Pursh) Small - >>cynanchum Angustifolium
- Marsdenia elliptica Dcne. - Jungle Netvine
- Marsdenia R. Br. - Marsdenia
- Marsdenia reichenbachii Triana - Condorvine
- Marsdenia roylei
- Marsdenia tenacissima - Rajmahal Hemp
- Matelea alabamensis (Vail) Woods. - Alabama Milkvine
- Matelea arizonica (Gray) Shinners - Arizona Milkvine
- Matelea Aubl. - Milkvine
- Matelea balbisii (Dcne.) Woods. - Balbis' Milkvine
- Matelea baldwyniana (Sweet) Woods. - Baldwin's Milkvine
- Matelea biflora (Raf.) Woods. - Star Milkvine
- Matelea borinquensis Alain - San Lorenzo Milkvine
- Matelea brevicoronata (B.L. Robins.) Woods. - Shortcrown Milkvine
- Matelea carolinensis (Jacq.) Woods. - Maroon Carolina Milkvine
- Matelea cordifolia (Gray) Woods. - Sonoran Milkvine
- Matelea cynanchoides (Engelm.) Woods. - Prairie Milkvine
- Matelea decipiens (Alexander) Woods. - Oldfield Milkvine
- Matelea edwardsensis Correll - Plateau Milkvine
- Matelea flavidula (Chapman) Woods. - Yellow Carolina Milkvine
- Matelea floridana (Vail) Woods. - Florida Milkvine
- Matelea gonocarpos (Walt.) Shinners - Angularfruit Milkvine
- Matelea maritima (Jacq.) Woods. - Beach Milkvine
- Matelea obliqua (Jacq.) Woods. - Climbing Milkvine
- Matelea parviflora (Torr.) Woods. - Smallflower Milkvine
- Matelea parvifolia (Torr.) Woods. - Spearleaf
- Matelea producta (Torr.) Woods. - Texas Milkvine
- Matelea pubiflora (Dcne.) Woods. - Trailing Milkvine
- Matelea radiata Correll - Falfurrias Milkvine
- Matelea reticulata (Engelm. ex Gray) Woods. - Netted Milkvine
- Matelea sagittifolia (Gray) Woods. - Arrowleaf Milkvine
- Matelea shortii (Gray) Woods. - >>matelea Obliqua
- Matelea sintenisii (Schlechter) Woods. - Sintenis' Milkvine
- Matelea suberosus auct. non (L.) Shinners - >>matelea Gonocarpos
- Matelea texensis Correll - Transpecos Milkvine
- Matelea variifolia (Schlechter) Woods. - Variableleaf Milkvine
- Matelea woodsonii Shinners - Woodson's Milkvine
- Mellichampia sinaloensis (Brandeg.) Kearney & Peebles - >>cynanchum Ligulatum
- Metalepis cubensis (A. Rich.) Griseb. - >>cynanchum Cubense
- Metaplexis japonica
- Metaplexis japonica (Thunb.) Makino - Rough Potato
- Metaplexis R. Br. - Metaplexis
- Metastelma anegadense Britt. - >>cynanchum Anegadense
- Metastelma arizonicum Gray - >>cynanchum Arizonicum
- Metastelma barbigerum Scheele - >>cynanchum Barbigerum
- Metastelma blodgettii Gray - >>cynanchum Blodgettii
- Metastelma decaisneanum Schlechter - >>cynanchum Grisebachianum
- Metastelma decipiens Schlechter - >>cynanchum Cheesmanii
- Metastelma ephedroides (Griseb.) Schlechter - >>cynanchum Ephedroides
- Metastelma fallax Schlechter - >>cynanchum Cheesmanii
- Metastelma grisebachianum Schlechter - >>cynanchum Grisebachianum
- Metastelma leptocladon (Dcne.) Schlechter - >>cynanchum Ephedroides
- Metastelma lineare Bello - >>cynanchum Lineare
- Metastelma mexicanum (Brandeg) M. Fishbein & R. Levin - >>cynanchum Wigginsii
- Metastelma monense Britt. - >>cynanchum Monense
- Metastelma palmeri S. Wats. - >>cynanchum Maccartii
- Metastelma parviflorum (Sw.) R. Br. ex J.A. Schultes - >>cynanchum Parviflorum
- Metastelma pringlei Gray - >>cynanchum Pringlei
- Metastelma scoparium (Nutt.) Vail - >>cynanchum Scoparium
- Micraster pulchellus Harv.
- Morrenia Lindl. - Morrenia
- Morrenia odorata (Hook. & Arn.) Lindl. - Latexplant
- Nerium grandiflorum Roxb. ex R. Br. - >>cryptostegia Grandiflora
- Obesia decora (Masson) Haw.
- Obesia geminata (Masson) Haw.
- Obesia punctata (Masson) Haw.
- Obesia serrulata (Jacq.) Sw.
- Odontostelma minus S.Moore
- Odontostelma welwitschii Rendle
- Odontostephana baldwyniana (Sweet) Alexander - >>matelea Baldwyniana
- Odontostephana carolinensis (Jacq.) Alexander - >>matelea Carolinensis
- Odontostephana decipiens Alexander - >>matelea Decipiens
- Odontostephana flavidula (Chapman) Alexander - >>matelea Flavidula
- Odontostephana floridana (Vail) Alexander - >>matelea Floridana
- Odontostephana obliqua (Jacq.) Alexander - >>matelea Obliqua
- Odontostephana shortii (Gray) Alexander - >>matelea Obliqua
- Orbea (L.) Haw. - Orbea
- Orbea variegata (L.) Haw. - Carrion-flower
- Oxypetalum cordifolium (Vent.) Schlechter - Whiteheart
- Oxypetalum R. Br. - Oxypetalum
- Oxypteryx curtissii (Gray) Small - >>asclepias Curtissii
- Pergularia africana N. E. Br. - >>telosma Africana
- Pergularia daemia (Forsskal) Chiov. - Pergularia
- Pergularia L. - Pergularia
- Periploca graeca L. - Silkvine
- Periploca L. - Periploca
- Pherotrichis balbisii (Dcne.) Gray - >>matelea Balbisii
- Philibertia heterophylla (Engelm. ex Torr.) Jepson - >>funastrum Cynanchoides Ssp. Heterophyllum
- Philibertia hirtella (Gray) Parish - >>funastrum Hirtellum
- Podostigma pedicellata (Walt.) Vail - >>asclepias Pedicellata
- Polyotus angustifolius Nutt. - >>asclepias Stenophylla
- Rhaphionacme decolor Schltr.
- Rothrockia cordifolia Gray - >>matelea Cordifolia
- Sarcostemma clausum (Jacq.) J.A. Schultes - >>funastrum Clausum
- Sarcostemma crispum Benth. - >>funastrum Crispum
- Sarcostemma cynanchoides Dcne. - >>funastrum Cynanchoides Ssp. Cynanchoides
- Sarcostemma cynanchoides Dcne. ssp. hartwegii (Vail) R. Holm - >>funastrum Cynanchoides Ssp. Heterophyllum
- Sarcostemma cynanchoides Dcne. var. hartwegii (Vail) Shinners - >>funastrum Cynanchoides Ssp. Heterophyllum
- Sarcostemma hirtellum (Gray) R. Holm - >>funastrum Hirtellum
- Sarcostemma lobata Waterfall - >>funastrum Crispum
- Sarcostemma torreyi (Gray) Woods. - >>funastrum Torreyi
- Siphonostelma stenophyllum Schltr.
- Solanoa purpurascens (Gray) Greene - >>asclepias Solanoana
- Stapelia gigantea N.E. Br. - Zulu Giant
- Stapelia hirsuta L. - Carrion-flower
- Stapelia L. - Stapelia
- Stapelia nobilis N.E. Br. - >>stapelia Gigantea
- Stapelia variegata L. - >>orbea Variegata
- Systrepha filiforme Burch.
- Telosma africana (N. E. Br.) N. E. Br. - African Telosma
- Telosma Cov. - Telosma
- Tylophora ovata
- Vincetoxicum baldwynianum (Sweet) Britt. - >>matelea Baldwyniana
- Vincetoxicum carolinense (Jacq.) Britt. - >>matelea Carolinensis
- Vincetoxicum gonocarpos Walt. - >>matelea Gonocarpos
- Vincetoxicum hirsutum (Michx.) Britt. - >>matelea Carolinensis
- Vincetoxicum hirundinaria - Swallow Wort
- Vincetoxicum hirundinaria Medik. - >>cynanchum Vincetoxicum
- Vincetoxicum medium auct. non (R. Br.) Dcne. - >>cynanchum Rossicum
- Vincetoxicum nigrum (L.) Moench - >>cynanchum Louiseae
- Vincetoxicum obliquum (Jacq.) Britt. - >>matelea Obliqua
- Vincetoxicum officinale Moench - >>cynanchum Vincetoxicum
- Vincetoxicum rossicum (Kleopov) Barbarich - >>cynanchum Rossicum
- Vincetoxicum shortii (Gray) Britt. - >>matelea Obliqua
- Vincetoxicum sintenisii (Schlechter) Britt. - >>matelea Sintenisii
- Vincetoxicum stephanotrichum (Griseb.) Britt. - >>gonolobus Stephanotrichus
- Vincetoxicum suberosum auct. non (L.) Britt. - >>matelea Gonocarpos
- Vincetoxicum variifolium (Schlechter) Britt. - >>matelea Variifolia