Vincetoxicum hirundinaria
{{Short description|Species of plant in the dogbane family}}
{{Speciesbox
|image = Vincetoxicum hirundinaria sl3.jpg
|genus = Vincetoxicum
|species = hirundinaria
|authority = Medik.
|synonyms = *Asclepias vincetoxicum L.
- Cynanchum vincetoxicum (L.) Pers.
|synonyms_ref = {{cite web | url = http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=CYVI3 | title = Cynanchum vincetoxicum (L.) Pers. }}
}}
Vincetoxicum hirundinaria, commonly named white swallow-wort, is a long-lived herbaceous perennial of the genus Vincetoxicum in the family Apocynaceae.
Etymology
The generic name Vincetoxicum, in Latin meaning ‘conqueror of poison’, derives from the traditional use of this plant as an antidote to poisons. The Latin species name hirundinaria (from hirundo, meaning swallow) and the common name white swallow-wort refer to its seedpods, that are reminiscent of a swallow's wing, or tail.
Description
Vincetoxicum hirundinaria can reach a height of {{convert|30|-|70|cm}}. Stem is erect, stout and glabrous. Flowers in whorls form a raceme. They have a diamenter of about {{convert|1|cm}}. Corolla has five white petals. Calyx is composed by five fused, sharp-pointed sepals. Leaves are opposite, ovate to lanceolate and short-stalked. Fruits reach a length of about 5 cm and contain many seeds showing a tuft of white hairs. Flowering time lasts from June to the end of July.[http://www.luontoportti.com/suomi/en/kukkakasvit/swallow-wort Nature Gate]
Distribution and habitat
This species is native to cliffs and slopes, especially in calcareous soils, of continental Eurasia (including some Baltic islands).{{Cite journal | doi = 10.1093/aob/mch012 |date=Jan 2004 | author = Leimu, R | title = Variation in the mating system of Vincetoxicum hirundinaria (Asclepiadaceae) in peripheral island populations | volume = 93 | issue = 1 | pages = 107–13 | issn = 0305-7364 | pmid = 14678943 | journal = Annals of Botany | url= | format = Free full text | pmc = 4242266 }} There are introduced populations in North America (Ontario, Michigan, and New York). It is not present in Great Britain and Ireland.
Human culture
Vincetoxicum hirundinaria is a poisonous plant traditionally used in treating diseases and in magic. The plant was mentioned by Pedanius Dioscorides as a traditional plant used by Dacians and known as the "herb of animals", believed to open any locked door.{{cn|date=June 2023}}
Gallery
File: Apocynaceae - Vincetoxicum hirundinaria.JPG|Close-up on flowers
File:Vincetoxicum-hirundinaria-seeds.jpg|Seeds and hairy wool
File:Vincetoxicum hirundinaria MHNT.BOT.2009.17.21.jpg|Fruit and seeds
File:Cynanchum vincetoxicum — Flora Batava — Volume v20.jpg|Illustration
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{commons-inline|Vincetoxicum hirundinaria}}
- {{Wikispecies-inline|Vincetoxicum hirundinaria}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q157331}}
Category:Flora of temperate Asia
{{Apocynaceae-stub}}