Matelea arizonica, commonly known as Arizona Milkvine, is a deciduous perennial vine native to the rocky canyons and arid habitats of the Southwestern USA, particularly Arizona, and Mexico. It can climb to heights of 30-40 feet (9-12 meters) with a spread of 15-25 feet (5-8 meters), often using other vegetation for support. The vine is characterized by its twining habit and heart-shaped leaves. During the summer and fall, it produces clusters of small, intricate flowers that are white and yellow, which are followed by distinctive seed pods that split open to release seeds with silky tufts.

Arizona Milkvine is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings in arid regions. It is often used to cover fences or trellises and can provide habitat for native fauna. In cultivation, it prefers part shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. It requires low amounts of water once established and well-drained soils. While not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0