Matelea carolinensis aka Maroon Carolina Milkvine

Taxonomy

Matelea carolinensis, also known as maroon Carolina milkvine and Carolina anglepod, is a rare, native perennial twining vine in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae. It is found in open deciduous woods, stream banks, power lines, and along roadways in the southeastern United States, from Maryland to Texas. The plant has milky sap and broad, opposite, ovate leaves that are often heart-shaped, growing to 5-10cm. Its deep purple or occasionally yellow flowers are 1-2cm in size and the fruit is a follicle. As a houseplant, Maroon Carolina Milkvine requires regular watering and long-lasting direct light, thriving best when placed less than 1 foot from a window.

Common names

Maroon Carolina Milkvine

How to care for Maroon Carolina Milkvine

Difficulty

Maroon Carolina Milkvine requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Maroon Carolina Milkvine should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Maroon Carolina Milkvine prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Maroon Carolina Milkvine to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.


More info:
Wikipedia