return to: checklist; keys; key 5; family Apocynaceae (formerly Asclepiadaceae)

Marsdenia coulteri Hemsl.

Liana; stem markedly corky with age; leaves opposite, simple ovate-oblong, base rounded, margin entire, apex obtuse to acute; inflorescence a nearly sessile umbel-like cluster, with many flowers open simultaneously; flowers creamy white or pale greenish white, with fragrance like vanilla.

Additional image:

This is an important nectar plant for bees (Souza Novello 1981, Suarez Molina 1981).