Asclepias prostrata

Critically Imperiled  (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this 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.

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]

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

  1. ↑ 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.
  2. ↑ "Asclepias prostrata". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
  3. ↑ 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.
  4. ↑ 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.
  5. ↑ 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.
  6. ↑ Eason, Michael (2018-04-03). Wildflowers of Texas. Timber Press. p. 83. ISBN 978-1-60469-862-6.
  7. ↑ "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.
  8. ↑ "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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