Asclepias curasavica


Asclepias curassavica (tropical milkweed) is an introduced species in California, native to the American tropics. It has become popular because unlike the native species, A. curassavica has a longer blooming period.

Milkweed hosts a protozoan parasite called Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE), thus many botanists advocate that this non-native be pruned back in the winter.

See:

Potential risks of growing exotic (non-native) milkweeds for monarch (PDF file)




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Emerging flower buds.
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New flowers.
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Ants love the nectar.
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Seed pod.
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Seeds are held in a thin filament, waiting to be dispersed by wind.
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Monarch Caterpillar
Danaus plexippus


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