Asclepias cryptoceras | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Gentianales |
Family: | Apocynaceae |
Genus: | Asclepias |
Species: | A. cryptoceras
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Binomial name | |
Asclepias cryptoceras |
Asclepias cryptoceras is a species of milkweed known by the common names jewel milkweed, [1] pallid milkweed, Humboldt Mountains milkweed, and cow-cabbage. [2] It is native to the Great Basin of western North America, where it grows in many types of habitat, especially dry areas. [3] This is a perennial herb growing low against the ground or drooping. It arises from a fleshy, woody rhizome-like root. The thick leaves are round to heart-shaped and arranged oppositely on the short stem. The inflorescence is a cluster of small flowers with centers of bright to dull pink hoods surrounded by pale-colored reflexed corollas. The fruit is a follicle held erect on a small stalk.
The Northern Paiute used the plant as a medicinal remedy, preparing the roots for headache and sores, and the latex for ringworm. [4] [5]