Funastrum cynanchoides | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Gentianales |
Family: | Apocynaceae |
Genus: | Funastrum |
Species: | F. cynanchoides |
Binomial name | |
Funastrum cynanchoides | |
Synonyms | |
Sarcostemma cynanchoidesDecne. |
Funastrum cynanchoides (formerly called Sarcostemma cynanchoides), [1] also known as fringed twinevine, twining milkweed or climbing milkweed, is a perennial plant in the family Apocynaceae that grows twining through other plants in the Mojave Desert and Sonoran Desert. [1] It has milky sap and smells pungent. [1] It is similar to Funastrum hirtellum . [1]
It is a twining vine-like plant that grows over other shrubs. [1]
Its narrow, arrowhead shaped leaves are opposite and 2.5 to 3.8 centimeters (1 to 1+1⁄2 inches) long. [1]
The flowers are pink to purplish, and are produced in umbrella-like heads (umbels) up to 10 cm (4 in) wide. [1] [2]
It has a fruit that is 7.5 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) long, with tufted seeds about 3.5 cm (1+1⁄2 in) long. [1]
It can be found from Southern California to Utah, Oklahoma and Texas. [2] It grows at the edge of desert dry washes in the eastern Mojave Desert and Sonoran Desert at altitudes below 610 meters (2,000 feet). [1]
In urban areas the vine freely climbs on plants, trees, as well as having a preference for chain-link fencing in neglected areas.
The flowers are actively visited and fed on by butterflies, similar to other milkweeds.
Media related to Funastrum cynanchoides at Wikimedia Commons