Araujia sericofera
The
milkweeds are known for their milky juice and their odd flower structure.
The petals of the 5-parted flowers are reflexed and the anthers unite to
the stigma in the form of a crown with 5 hood-like appendages.
Each flower can form 2 follicles from its 2 ovaries.
The numerous seeds bear tufts of silky hairs at their tips for efficient
wind dispersal. (Dale 48).
This is a very large family of plants containing about 2,000 species. They include perennial herbs, vines, or shrubs with milky juice. The principal genus in California is Asclepias, of which there are some 11 species. (Robbins et al. 335).
Upper Newport Bay species within the family.
