Asclepias erosa Torr.
Family: Apocynaceae
Pertinent Synonyms & Notes (particularly those used in California; go to GRIN for other synonyms)
none
Pertinent Common Names (particularly those used in California; go to GRIN for other common names)
desert milkweed
Primary Disseminule Type
seed
(with or without attached tuft of hairs)
Description (diagnostics are in brown)
Fruit a dehiscent pod (follicle), ovoid, containing numerous seeds.
Seed ovate in outline, strongly dorsiventrally compressed but often wavy (edges typically strongly curved towards adaxial side) instead of flat and with a distinct marginal rim (narrowly winged, wing wrinkled), 9–13 mm long x 6–8 mm wide x 1–2 mm thick, with a tuft of easily deciduous, whitish, silky hairs (coma) ca. 3 cm long at the apex. Raphe conspicuous on adaxial face as a central, longitudinal ridge extending from the apex to about 2/3 the length of the seed. Surface dull, granular, wrinkled, covered with patches of white to tawny hairs, general color orangish-brown, individual cells whitish to dark orangish-brown (mottled on the microscopic level).
Hilum at apex, punctate.
Similar Species
Similar Species Comparison Chart
Risk Assessment (codes in yellow or red indicate cause for concern; assessments are current as of mid-2011; click AUQP, NZBORIC, or NZBPI for access to the most recent versions of these databases and possible assessment changes)
AUQP, NZBORIC, NZBPI