Funastrum hirtellum
(Vail) Schltr.
Hairy milkweed, Smooth twinevine
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Summary
Source: WikipediaFunastrum hirtellum, synonym Sarcostemma hirtellum, (rambling milkweed, hairy milkweed), is a perennial, vine-like plant of mid- to lower-elevation desert regions. It is a member of the family Asclepiadaceae and the genus Funastrum. It is found in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico — in southeastern California, southern Nevada, Arizona, Sonora, and Baja California. Hairy milkweed can be an aggressive, opportunistic species, capable of overtaking a suitable sprouting location and killing the plants it grows upon. If the supporting plants can compete successfully, all of the species continue. The green vines have few narrow leaves and are themselves photosynthetic. In early- and mid-spring, flower clusters occur in a circular or half-globe cluster of 7 to 13+ florets, with each floret about 3/8 of an inch. The flower clusters are sometimes profuse and therefore noticeable. When the dried seedpods remain months later, after the vines have desiccated, they are the plant identifier. Another indicator of the plant's presence is the inundation of the supporting species, or multiple species, by quantities of vines.
Description
A herb or vine. It keeps growing from year to year. The stems have short hairs. The leaves are narrow to sword shaped. They are 1-4.5 cm long. There are 6-18 flowers in a group.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. It grows between 150-900 m above sea level. It grows in deserts.
Where It Grows
Mexico, North America, USA,
Synonyms
References (1)
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
