Native Plants

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Saturday - November 03, 2012

From: Bertram, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Identification, Vines
Title: Identity of vine with green flowers
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

What is this trailing plant with half inch green flowers with gold metallic centers? Looks like a milkweed plant or gourd plant of some kind. I found it off Hamilton Pool road. West of Austin TX

ANSWER:

Your description sounds like Matelea reticulata (Green milkweed vine). It is, indeed, a member of the Family Asclepidaceae (Milkweed Family) and, as such, is host to Monarch and Queen butterflies. All in all, it is a most charming plant!

From the Image Gallery

Pearl milkweed vine
Matelea reticulata