Matelea decipiens (Alexander) Woods.

Locations ofMatelea decipiens (Alexander) Woods. in Virginia

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Detail

Family
Apocynaceae
Botanical Name
Matelea decipiens (Alexander) Woods.
Common Name
Old-field Milkvine
Synonym(s)
Flora of Virginia Name/Status
Matelea decipiens (Alexander) Woods.
Comments
Flora of the Southeastern U.S. reports that the authors of the FNA Matelea treatment (in prep.) consider this species to be strictly Midwestern and eastern plants that have been assigned this name represent variation in Matelea caroliniensis. This seems somewhat problematic to us, as the floral morphology of eastern "Matelea decipiens" appears closer to that of M. obliqua in many ways than to M. caroliniensis. In addition, Virginia "Matelea decipiens" is strictly a species of base-rich soil over mafic rocks, which is also similar to the ecological proclivities of M. obliqua. That said, these plants are not morphologically identical to M. obliqua and need investigation to determine whether they represent a distinct, cryptic taxon. We are therefore continuing to provide a provisional map to call attention to the problem.
Habitat
Dry forests, woodlands, and clearings over mafic rocks. Rare in the s. Piedmont.
Native Status
Native

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