Asclepias prostrata, commonly known as prostrate milkweed, is a species of perennial plant in the genus Asclepias.[2] It has triangular to elliptical foliage with wavy margins, stems up to 16 inches (410 mm) long, and grows low to the ground (hence the name, which refers to a prostrate growth habit) in sandy soils.[3][4] Flowering may be dependent on rainfall to bring the plant out of dormancy, but is most typical from April to October. Like other milkweeds, A. prostrata flowers are a food source for pollinator insects such as bees, wasps, and the Monarch butterfly.[5]
| Asclepias prostrata | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Apocynaceae |
| Genus: | Asclepias |
| Species: | A. prostrata
|
| Binomial name | |
| Asclepias prostrata W.H.Blackw.
| |
Native to Starr, Hidalgo, and Zapata counties of South Texas and the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, it is one of the rarest species of milkweed.[6] In 2022, the US Fish & Wildlife Service proposed adding prostrate milkweed to the endangered species list and defining just under 700 acres of critical habitats that should be protected in order to preserve it.[7] It is most threatened by habitat loss due to human development and invasive species such as buffelgrass.[8]
References
edit- ^ Blackwell, W.H., Jr. 1964. Synopsis of the 23 species of Asclepias (Asclepiadaceae) in Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon including 2 new species, Ascelpias bifida and Asclepias prostrata. Southwest Naturalist 9(3): 171-180.
- ^ "Asclepias prostrata". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- ^ Richardson, Alfred; King, Ken (2011-01-28). Plants of Deep South Texas: A Field Guide to the Woody and Flowering Species. Texas A&M University Press. p. 76. ISBN 978-1-60344-144-5.
- ^ Poole, Jackie M.; Carr, William R.; Price, Dana M. (2007). Rare Plants of Texas: A Field Guide. Texas A&M University Press. p. 99. ISBN 978-1-58544-557-8.
- ^ Cohen, Li (February 15, 2022). "Humans are driving a rare Texas plant that serves as an important food source for bees and butterflies "to the edge of extinction"". CBS.
- ^ Eason, Michael (2018-04-03). Wildflowers of Texas. Timber Press. p. 83. ISBN 978-1-60469-862-6.
- ^ "Service Proposes Endangered Status and Designation of Critical Habitat for Rare South Texas Milkweed | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service". FWS.gov. 2022-02-22. Retrieved 2022-09-01.
- ^ "A rare plant found in Texas and Mexico could be listed as an endangered species". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2022-09-01.
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