Strange fruit on a vine

[waltsp]

All three stages on a single climbing vine.
I have no clue what this is!

Small

Medium

Large

 

[kenstrac]

Looks like Green milkweed vine.

 

[jinman]

Walt, I don't know what your plant is, but I do know people who identify that plant and tell you about it. They are at UT Austin in the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Here's a link to Mr. Smarty Plants and the plant identification specialist.

 

[waltsp]

Reply from Mr Smarty Plants (Quick, only took 30 Min.)

Hello,

The vine is Matelea reticulata, pearl milkweed vine. Here are links with photos and more information:

NPIN: Matelea reticulata (Green milkweed vine)
Matelea reticulata
Milkweeds of Texas - Family Asclepiadaceae
Research & Extension Center Virtual Herbarium - Milkvine (Matelea reticulata)

Thank you for your question.

Best wishes,

Nan

Nan Hampton
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
e-mail: id@smartyplants.org
phone: 512-292-4200

 

[jinman]

Actually, I think kenstrac was the first to identify your plant.:thumbsup: He didn't have as many details, but he sure nailed the "milkweed vine" portion.

 

[brin]

I should get partial credit...I knew it was milk weed but just saw the thread.:laughing::laughing::thumbsup:

 

[crusty 1]

I should get partial credit...I knew it was milk weed but just saw the thread.:laughing::laughing::thumbsup:

Oh Bob,you sure you haven,t been coaching my grand kids cuz thats exactly what they would have come up with:laughingave.I know all the answers after the fact too.

 

[brin]

Oh Bob,you sure you haven,t been coaching my grand kids cuz thats exactly what they would have come up with:laughingave.I know all the answers after the fact too.

Hey Dave...what can I say? I am still a kid at heart....it even used to work on my wife...Used to...LOL :laughing:

 

[MossRoad]

My tomatoes look like that around October. :laughing:

 

[scootr2d]

ok you guys did so good with the plant .. hoping you can help with an insect .. First one of these I ever saw was 2 days ago in my backyard. The stinger like object was longer than the body. Overall length was between 6-8 inches