Family: Apocynaceae
Author: (Kleopow) Barbar.
Bibliography: Vyzn. Rosl. Ukr.: 345 (1950)
Year: 1950
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Vincetoxicum
Vegetable: False
Observations: Ukraine to SE. European Russia
Description
Pale swallow-wort, scientifically known as Vincetoxicum rossicum, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Apocynaceae. Originating from the vast regions stretching from Ukraine to southeastern European Russia, this species has garnered attention for its distinctive biological and ecological characteristics.
Often thriving in diverse habitats, Pale swallow-wort showcases its adaptability to various environmental conditions, making it a resilient species in its native range. The plant is noted for its relatively pale, slender structures, which are typical of the Vincetoxicum genus. The leaves of Vincetoxicum rossicum are typically oppositely arranged, with a simple, ovate to lanceolate shape that contributes to the plant’s understated yet elegant appearance.
Pale swallow-wort blooms during the late spring to early summer period, producing small, inconspicuous flowers that are pale in color. Despite their modest size, these flowers play a crucial role in the plant’s reproductive cycle, facilitating cross-pollination predominantly through insect visitors attracted by the plant’s subtle fragrance and nectar offerings.
Ecologically, Vincetoxicum rossicum has been observed to exhibit an assertive growth pattern, which can sometimes lead to it becoming invasive in non-native regions where it is introduced. Its robust nature allows it to outcompete native flora, particularly in disturbed environments where it can establish itself rapidly and efficiently.
This species was thoroughly documented in 1950 in the notable bibliography Vyzn. Rosl. Ukr. on page 345, with its description and classification being attributed to the author (Kleopow) Barbar. The historical and botanical significance of Pale swallow-wort continues to be a subject of interest among botanists and ecologists, particularly those studying plant adaptive strategies and invasive species dynamics.
In summary, Pale swallow-wort, or Vincetoxicum rossicum, stands as a fascinating example of botanical adaptation and survival, reflective of the intricate biodiversity found within the Apocynaceae family. Its presence across Ukraine to southeastern European Russia underscores its ecological success and the ongoing interest in understanding its role within these ecosystems.
Common Names
Eng: pale swallow-wort, russian swallow-wort, european swallowwort, dog-strangling vine, pale swallowwort
Deu: russische schwalbenwurz
Swe: brun tulkört
Nno: russesvalerot
Nob: russesvalerot
Fra: dompte-venin de russie
En: Pale swallow-wort, European swallow-wort, Russian swallow-wort, European swallowwort, Dog-strangling vine, Pale swallowwort
Fi: Venäjänkäärmeenpistonyrtti
Fr: Dompte-venin de Russie
De: Russische Schwalbenwurz
Nb: Russesvalerot
Nn: Russesvalerot
Ru: Ластовень русский
Sv: Brun tulkört
Uk: Ластовень руський
Synonyms
- Antitoxicum rossicum ((Kleopow) Pobed.)
- Vincetoxicum officinale var. rossicum ((Kleopow) Grodz.)
- Cynanchum melanthos (Poir.)
- Alexitoxicon rossicum ((Kleopow) Pobed.)
- Cynanchum rossicum (Kleopow)
Distribution
- East European Russia (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- British Columbia (introduced)
- Connecticut (introduced)
- Indiana (introduced)
- Masachusettes (introduced)
- Michigan (introduced)
- Missouri (introduced)
- New Hampshire (introduced)
- New Jersey (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- Ontario (introduced)
- Pennsylvania (introduced)
- Québec (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jun 16, 2022 by Alexander Baransky (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 16, 2022 by Alexander Baransky (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60456000-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Vincetoxicum rossicum (Kleopow) Barbar.)
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5414550)