''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 . Stem is erect, stout and glabrous. Flowers in whorls form a raceme. They have a diamenter of about . 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.Nature Gate
/ref>

Distribution and habitat

This species is native to cliffs and slopes, especially in calcareous soils, of continental Eurasia (including some Baltic islands). There are introduced populations in North America ( Ontario, Michigan, and

New York New York most commonly refers to: * New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York * New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States New York may also refer to: Film and television * '' ...

). 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 The Dacians (; la, Daci ; grc-gre, Δάκοι, Δάοι, Δάκαι) were the ancient Indo-European inhabitants of the cultural region of Dacia, located in the area near the Carpathian Mountains and west of the Black Sea. They are often consid ...

and known as the "herb of animals", believed to open any locked door.

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

External links

* * hirundinaria Flora of Asia Flora of Europe {{Apocynaceae-stub