Matelea is a genus of flowering plants in the family Apocynaceae (the dogbane family), placed in the order Gentianales. Commonly known as milkvines, the genus comprises approximately 200 species of twining herbaceous vines and lianas. Like other members of Apocynaceae, milkvines produce latex when cut and bear flowers with fused petals — characteristics of the broader milkweed-and-dogbane alliance. The genus ranges across the Americas, from the southern United States through Central America and the Caribbean into South America, occupying tropical and subtropical habitats.
The genus name Matelea has been subject to taxonomic revision over time: several species formerly included in Matelea have been moved to related genera such as Gonolobus, Peruviasclepias, and others as circumscriptions of Apocynaceae subfamilies have been refined. Some authorities treat Chthamalia as a synonym or subgenus of Matelea. The genus sits within the subfamily Asclepiadoideae (formerly family Asclepiadaceae), the milkweed subfamily, which is characterized by elaborate pollinia structures that lock together visiting insects and ensure cross-pollination.
Notable members include Matelea texensis, native to Texas, and Matelea tinctoria, which has been recorded for use as a dye plant. The economic importance of the group as a whole is limited, but several species serve as larval host plants for specialist Lepidoptera.
Distribution
Matelea is distributed across the Americas, with species recorded from the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean (including Haiti and Puerto Rico), and South America.
Taxonomy Notes
Matelea belongs to subfamily Asclepiadoideae within Apocynaceae (order Gentianales). The genus boundaries have shifted substantially: numerous species have been transferred out to segregate genera including Gonolobus, Rotundanthus, Suberogerens, and Graciemoriana. Chthamalia is sometimes treated as a synonym or subgenus of Matelea.
