Fubiz™

¤ On White ¤ On Black ¤ Milkweeds are an important nectar source for bees and other nectar seeking insects, and a larval food source for monarch butterflies. Milkweed is named for its milky juice, which contains alkaloids, caoutchouc, and several other complex compounds including cardenolids. Some species are known to be toxic. Uses: These milkweed filaments or floss are coated with wax, and have good insulation qualities. Tests have shown them to be superior to down feathers for insulation. During World War II, over 11 million pounds (5000 t) of milkweed floss were collected in the United States as a substitute for kapok. In the past, the high dextrose content of the nectar led to milkweed's use as a source of sweetener for Native Americans and voyageurs. Milkweed latex contains about 1 to 2% caoutchouc, and was attempted as a natural source for rubber by both Germany and the United States during World War II. No record has been found of large-scale success. Milkweed is a common folk remedy used for removing warts. Milkweed sap is applied directly to the wart several times daily until the wart falls off. Dandelion sap is often used in the same manner. Milkweed is beneficial to nearby plants, repelling some pests, especially wireworms. --from Wiki Juried and accepted for display at the "Winter's Garden" from Jan 18 to Feb 17, 2008, at the Riverfront Arts Center in Stevens Point, WI. paulomernik.com