Black swallowwort (Vincetoxicum nigrum, Suppl. Meth.: 313 (1802))

Family: Apocynaceae

Author: (L.) Moench

Bibliography: Suppl. Meth.: 313 (1802)

Year: 1802

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Vincetoxicum

Vegetable: False

Observations: SW. Europe to Italy

Description

Black swallowwort is a plant scientifically known as Vincetoxicum nigrum. First described in the early 19th century by noted botanist (L.) Moench, this species belongs to the family Apocynaceae.

Native to southwestern Europe and regions extending to Italy, Black swallowwort is a noteworthy species due to its unique characteristics and ecological impact. The plant exhibits vigorous growth and adaptability, making it a subject of study among botanists and environmentalists alike. It typically thrives in a variety of soil types and environmental conditions, which contributes to its widespread presence in its native range as well as its potential invasiveness elsewhere.

One of the distinguishing features of Vincetoxicum nigrum includes its dark, almost black, star-shaped flowers, which contrast starkly against its dark green, glossy leaves. The flowers are not only visually striking but also play a vital role in the plant’s reproductive cycle, attracting specific pollinators.

Understanding the growth patterns, habitat, and overall ecological dynamics of Black swallowwort is crucial for managing its spread, especially in areas where it might pose a threat to local biodiversity. Researchers and land managers continue to monitor its impact, particularly in regions outside its native range, to mitigate any adverse effects it may have on local ecosystems.

The study of Vincetoxicum nigrum offers insight into the complex interactions between plant species and their environments, highlighting the importance of maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity.

Common Names

Eng: black swallow-wort, black swallowwort, dark vincetoxicum, dog-strangling-vine, louise’s swallow-wort, black dog-strangling vine, louise’s swallowwort
Dan: mørk svalerod
Deu: schwarze schwalbenwurz
Nld: zwarte engbloem
Fra: dompte venin noir, dompte-venin noir, cynanche noire, cynaque noir
Swe: purpurtulkört
En: Black swallowwort, Dog-strangling-vine, Black swallow-wort, Louise’s swallow-wort, Dark vincetoxicum, ကၞေၚ်၊ သတ်, Louise’s swallowwort, Black dog-strangling vine
Ca: Masera negra
Da: Mørk svalerod
Nl: Zwarte engbloem
Fr: Dompte venin noir, Dompte-venin noir, Cynanche noire, Cynaque noir
De: Schwarze Schwalbenwurz
It: Vincetossico scuro
Sv: Purpurtulkört

Synonyms

• Vincetoxicum melanthum (Jord. & Fourr.)
• Vincetoxicum atrum (Jord. & Fourr.)
• Asclepias nigra (L.)
• Vincetoxicum nigricans (Jord. & Fourr.)
• Vincetoxicum nigrum var. latifolium (Lange)
• Antitoxicum nigrum ((L.) Pobed.)
• Cynanchum atrum ((Jord. & Fourr.) Breistr.)
• Vincetoxicum nigrum var. atrum ((Jord. & Fourr.) Rouy)
• Cynanchum barbatum (L.f. ex Schult.)
• Asclepias media (Steud.)
• Asclepias ovata (Steud.)
• Asclepias alexitoxica (St.-Lag.)
• Alexitoxicon nigrum ((L.) St.-Lag.)
• Alexitoxicon melanthum ((Jord. & Fourr.) St.-Lag.)
• Cynanchum louiseae (Kartesz & Gandhi)

Distribution

• Baleares (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Bulgaria (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Indiana (introduced)
• Kansas (introduced)
• Kentucky (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• Minnesota (introduced)
• Missouri (introduced)
• Nebraska (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• New Hampshire (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Québec (introduced)
• Rhode I. (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)

Additional Images

© 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.

Leaf

Taken Sep 6, 2022 by John Walsh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 10, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 16, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 8, 2020 by juan llanos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2020 by juan llanos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2020 by juan llanos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2020 by juan llanos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2020 by juan llanos (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 9, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Francoise PONCELET (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Francoise PONCELET (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2012 by Tela Botanica − DANY ROUSSEL (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2021 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 29, 2021 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2022 by John Walsh (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 23, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2021 by mclaire Galmar (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5414551)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1088174-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Vincetoxicum nigrum (L.) Moench)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Soil nutriments: 3