Thanks, Danette! Milkweed in the steamy greenhouse…

Danette immediately identified this as milkweed (family Apocynaceae and genus Asclepias). Thanks, Danette! The particular species is Asclepias curassavica, also known as “Blood flower” http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/plant-finder/plant-details/kc/c376/asclepias-curassavica.aspx

Species page at PhytoImages, http://phytoimages.siu.edu/cgi-bin/dol/dol_terminal.pl?taxon_name=Asclepias_curassavica&rank=binomial

Photo taken at SIUC Plant Biology Greenhouse, http://www.plantbiology.siu.edu/facilities/plant-biology-facilities/greenhouse/index.php

One year ago (“Macro calla lily…”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2012-06-10
Two years ago (well, isn’t this embarrassing, “Calla lily, revisited”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2011-06-10

[Danette Thompson]

It's Milkeweed! Nice!

[Rick Schies]

They are quite nice

[Thom Mitchell]

@danette Bingo, Danette! Thanks. Definitely in that family (Apocynaceae) and probably genus Asclepias. Check out how similar my image is to this one: http://phytoimages.siu.edu/imgs/pelserpb/r/Apocynaceae_Asclepias_curassavica_38765.html

[Thom Mitchell]

@digitalrn Indeed, Rick. They attract certain butterflies, Monarchs in particular, as I recall. May have to ask for a clipping... :)

[Rick Schies]

@rhoing Yes, that would be a good idea.

[Thom Mitchell]

@danette Title updated. :)

[Danette Thompson]

Similar to the one in my backyard: http://365project.org/danette/365/2013-03-16. I hear there are several, but have only seen two. Ours definitely attracts the Monarchs and too many aphids.

[Thom Mitchell]

@danette On a web page I read the only maintenance issue with milkweed is containing it, since it propagates in two ways. Has "containment" been a problem for you?

[Michelle]

They are so tiny and beautiful :)