Plants That Look Like Milkweed. Native to south africa this plant is an invasive in tropical climates but in my zone 6 7 area winter cold keep it in check. Fast growing annual milkweed hardy in zones 8 10.
A milkweed family member another common name is balloon plant. Stems and leaves release a milky white sap when broken. Milkweed pods are delicious in stew or just served as a boiled vegetable perhaps with cheese or mixed with other vegetables but be sure you eat only.
Each individual flower has a five parted calyx sepals and a five parted corolla petals plus in some species a corona that looks like an extra set of petals.
The milkweed plant is an upright specimen that may reach 2 to 6 feet. Plant blooms for approximately 4 weeks in mid to late summer. Spraying the plants would be detrimental to the caterpillars. Milkweed pods are delicious in stew or just served as a boiled vegetable perhaps with cheese or mixed with other vegetables but be sure you eat only.