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Caribbean milkweed
Scientific Name: Asclepias nivea
Family: Asclepiadaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Caribbean Milkweed (Asclepias nivea)
Common Names
- Caribbean Milkweed
- White Milkweed
- Milkweed
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Asclepias nivea L.
- Family: Asclepiadaceae (formerly, now a subfamily) / Asclepiadoideae (subfamily)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Synonyms: The text mentions that 'milkweed' is a synonym.
- Related Species: Closely related to Asclepias syriaca (common milkweed).
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Puerto Rico and the United States.
- Also found in the Eastern Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and some Caribbean islands.
Ecological Role
- Host plant for Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) and Caribbean Queen butterflies (Danaus cleophile). Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on the leaves of milkweed plants.
- The elimination of milkweed can affect milkweed bug populations (Oncopeltus spp.).
- Milkweed species are important for pollinator habitats.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Described as a subshrub forb/herb.
- Perennial duration.
Traditional Uses
- In the Eastern Caribbean, milkweed has been used traditionally for fevers, to promote urination, and for respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Larvae of Monarch butterflies feed exclusively on milkweed.
- Milkweed bugs (Oncopeltus spp.) are affected by the presence or absence of milkweed plants.
Further Information
- Dave's Garden website.
- Online plant database of eastern Caribbean flora.