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Cuban swallow-wort

Scientific Name: Cynanchum cubense

Family: Asclepiadaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Vine, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Cuban Swallow-wort

This page provides information about the Cuban Swallow-wort, a plant with the scientific name Cynanchum cubense.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Cynanchum cubense (A. Rich.) Woodson
  • Common Names: Cuban Swallow-wort
  • Family: Asclepiadaceae (mentioned in relation to other Cynanchum species)
  • Genus: Cynanchum (which contains about 300 species including some swallow-worts)
  • Synonyms:
    • Cynanchum peraffine Woodson
    • Gonolobus cubensis A. Rich.
    • Metalepis cubensis (A. Rich.)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Found in Cuba.
  • Also found in Belize and Panama.
  • Present in the Bahamas and Greater Antilles (Cuba and surrounding islands).

Ecological Role

  • Cataloged as an invasive species in Cuba.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Growth Habit: Vine, Forb/herb - Perennial

Related Species and Considerations

  • Other species in the Cynanchum genus include: Cynanchum louiseae (Louise's Swallow-wort or Black Swallow-wort), Cynanchum maccartii (Maccart's Swallow-wort), Cynanchum northropiae (Fragrant Swallow-wort), Cynanchum rossicum (Pale Swallow-wort), Cynanchum barbigerum (Bearded Swallow-wort), and Cynanchum ephedroides.
  • The term "Swallow-wort" is used for several plants and plant families.

Further Information

  • Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cynanchum cubense.
  • Catalogue of Life provides distribution information.
  • ITIS provides taxonomic status information.