Apocynum

Genus of flowering plants From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Apocynum

Apocynum, commonly known as dogbane[2] or Indian hemp,[2] is a small genus of the flowering plant family Apocynaceae. Its name comes from Ancient Greek ἀπόκυνον,[3] from ἀπο- apo- "away" and κύων kyōn "dog",[4] referring to dogbane (Cionura erecta),[5] which was used to poison dogs.[6] The genus is native to North America, temperate Asia, and southeastern Europe.[1][7][8]

Quick Facts Scientific classification, Synonyms ...
Apocynum
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Apocynum androsaemifolium
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Apocynoideae
Tribe: Apocyneae
Genus: Apocynum
L.
Synonyms[1]
  • Apocynastrum Heist. ex Fabr.
  • Cynopaema Lunell
  • Poacynum Baill.
  • Trachomitum Woodson
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Apocynum species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, including the mouse moth and the queen butterfly.

Uses

Apocynum cannabinum is used as a source of fiber by Native Americans. Apocynum venetum (Chinese: 羅布麻) is used as an herbal tea in China.[9] Dogbane contains cymarin, a cardiotonic agent formerly used to treat cardiac arrhythmia in humans.[10]

Species

Almost 300 names have been proposed in the genus for species, subspecies, and forms.[1] As of 2019, only the following five species and hybrids are currently recognized, with several subspecies and varieties accepted for A. androsaemifolium and A. venetum (see their respective species pages).[11]

References

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