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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
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Saturday - November 13, 2010

From: Brownsville, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Vines
Title: Identification of vine-like plant.
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I have a an odd plant that I bought years ago. It's like a vine. It has hard rubbery like leaves they turn inward and they are green. First a cone like shape grows then the leaves grow. I would like to know the name and info of this plant. Thanks.

ANSWER:

Based on the fact that you bought your plant and based on your description of it, I suspect that it isn't native to North America.  Our focus and expertise here at the Wildflower Center are with native plants.  I suggest that you take photos of your plant and then visit Mr. Smarty Plants' Plant Identification page to find information about several sources where you can submit your photos for identification.

 

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