Asclepias subverticillata

Asclepias subverticillata (pronunciation: as-KLEE-pee-us sub-ver-ti-sil-LAH-ta) is a species of milkweed known by the common name whorled milkweed or poke milkweed.

Etymology

The genus name, Asclepias, is derived from Asclepius, the Greek god of healing due to the many folk-medicinal uses for the milkweed family. The species name, subverticillata, is derived from Latin and means "almost whorled", referring to the arrangement of the leaves.

Description

Asclepias subverticillata is a perennial herb producing a slender, erect stem up to about a meter tall. The leaves are lance-shaped to oval, and arranged in whorls about the stem. The inflorescence is a cluster of white flowers with purplish centers. The fruit is a large, smooth follicle.

Distribution and Habitat

This milkweed is native to North America, where it is distributed from Canada to Mexico. It is found in many types of habitat, including grassland, forest, and disturbed areas.

Medical Uses

While all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested in large quantities, Asclepias subverticillata has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of warts, ringworm, and other skin conditions. It has also been used as an expectorant and a treatment for respiratory conditions.

Related Terms

• Milkweed
• Asclepius
• Perennial plant
• Inflorescence
• Follicle
• Traditional medicine

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Asclepias subverticillata
• Wikipedia's article - Asclepias subverticillata

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