Butterfly Pavilion - Combining science education with hands-on fun to teach visitors about invertebrates, science and conservation.


	Milkweed
Botanical Name: Asclepias curassavica* Common Name: Milkweed, Bloodflower Family: Asclepiadaceae Origin: South America The genus name Asclepias is dedicated to the Greek God of medicine, Asklepios. A. curassavica is woody at the base with few branches and grows to a height of 3 feet. The narrowly oval pointed leaves are 3 – 6 inches in length, The flowers which grow in umbelliferate clusters at the end of stems are brilliantly colored with orange or scarlet petals and orange-yellow calyx. The erect seedpods, on erect stalks, are 1.5 to 4 inches long and covered with minute downy hairs. Interesting Facts: The plant contains a milky, poisonous sap that can cause muscle cramps, spasms, diarrhea and vomiting. In some of the native regions, this plant is valued for its medicinal properties. Root extracts are used as an emetic and laxative. Leaf juice is used to kill intestinal parasitic worms and to hasten sweating during fever. The flower juice is used to stop bleeding. Chinese villagers use twigs to brush dogs to repel fleas.

Milkweed

Botanical Name: Asclepias curassavica*
Common Name: Milkweed, Bloodflower
Family: Asclepiadaceae
Origin: South America

The genus name Asclepias is dedicated to the Greek God of medicine, Asklepios. A. curassavica is woody at the base with few branches and grows to a height of 3 feet. The narrowly oval pointed leaves are 3 – 6 inches in length, The flowers which grow in umbelliferate clusters at the end of stems are brilliantly colored with orange or scarlet petals and orange-yellow calyx. The erect seedpods, on erect stalks, are 1.5 to 4 inches long and covered with minute downy hairs.

Interesting Facts: The plant contains a milky, poisonous sap that can cause muscle cramps, spasms, diarrhea and vomiting. In some of the native regions, this plant is valued for its medicinal properties. Root extracts are used as an emetic and laxative. Leaf juice is used to kill intestinal parasitic worms and to hasten sweating during fever. The flower juice is used to stop bleeding. Chinese villagers use twigs to brush dogs to repel fleas.