Vincetoxicum hirundinaria

Vincetoxicum hirundinaria
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Gentianales
Family:	Apocynaceae
Genus:	Vincetoxicum
Species:	V. hirundinaria
Binomial name
	Vincetoxicum hirundinaria; Medik.
Synonyms
	Asclepias vincetoxicum L.; 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[edit]

The generic name Vincetoxicum, in Latin meaning ‘conqueror of poison’, derives from the traditional use of this plant as an antidote to poisons.^[2] 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[edit]

Vincetoxicum hirundinaria can reach a height of 30–70 centimetres (12–28 in). Stem is erect, stout and glabrous. Flowers in whorls form a raceme. They have a diamenter of about 1 centimetre (0.39 in). 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.^[2]

Distribution and habitat[edit]

This species is native to cliffs and slopes, especially in calcareous soils, of continental Eurasia (including some Baltic islands).^[3] There are introduced populations in North America (Ontario, Michigan, and New York).^[1] It is not present in Great Britain and Ireland.

Human culture[edit]

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.^{[citation needed]}