ABSTRACT
The genus Asclepias falls within the tribe Asclepiadeae, subfamily Cyanchoidae, and family Asclepiadaceae, one of the most advanced of the dicotyledonous families. 6 The Asclepiadaceae has approximately 220 genera and 2000 species distributed worldwide, primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. 1 Although the ornamental plant industry has developed the potential of many genera within this family (e.g., Stephanotis, Hoya and Ceropegia), the genus Asclepias is better known for its weedy characteristics. However, one member of this reputably problematic genus, A. tuberosa, is gaining interest as an outdoor garden ornamental, 8 and, recently, as a cut flower.
