milkweed family

Family Asclepiadaceae, composed of about 2,000 species of flowering herbaceous plants or shrubby climbers in more than 280 genera. Most family members have milky juice, podlike fruits, and tufted silky-haired seeds that drift on wind currents to new locations for sprouting. Common milkweed () and bloodflower () often are cultivated as ornamentals. , commonly called wax plant because of its waxy white flowers, is often grown indoors as a potted plant. The family also includes some succulents, some pitcher plants, and butterfly weed.

Find more information on milkweed family. Upgrade to Britannica Online for more on milkweed family.