Pachycarpus asperifolius, commonly known as Rough-Fruited Milkweed or Rough Pachycarpus, is a perennial herb native to the grasslands and open woodlands of Southern Africa. It typically grows to a height and width of 0.5-1 feet (0.15-0.3 meters). This species is characterized by its erect stems and rough, lance-shaped leaves. The flowers, which are white or cream, appear in clusters at the top of the stems during the summer months and are moderately showy. The fruit is a distinctive horn-shaped pod that adds interest to the plant’s appearance after flowering.

Rough-Fruited Milkweed is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to attract butterflies, particularly monarchs, which use milkweeds as a host plant for their larvae. It is suitable for xeriscaping, naturalized areas, and wildlife gardens. Gardeners often use it in borders or as part of a mixed perennial display. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained loam or sandy soils. There are no widely known cultivars of this species in the horticultural trade, and it is generally grown from seed. Potential problems include susceptibility to aphids and milkweed bugs, which can be managed with careful monitoring and control measures.CC BY-SA 4.0