ASCLEPIADACEAE

Matelea reticulata

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matelea.reticulata.2.jpg (39939 bytes)

matelea.reticulata2.flw.JPG (52766 bytes)
leaves and flowers--what leaf shape and margin are present? flower closeup--notice the silver knob in the middle of the flower?  This is a special structure called a gynostegium (made up of fused parts of the stamens and pistil) found in members of the milkweed family.  In pearl vine, the gynostegium resembles a pearl in shininess!

Matelea reticulata leaves4_sharp.jpg (130483 bytes)

Matelea reticulata hariystems.jpg (41651 bytes)
leaves--the leaves in pearl vine are opposite stems--notice how hairy the stems are )the leaves are also this hairy)
matelea.reticulata.frt.jpg (72028 bytes)
fruit (follicle)--notice the prickles?