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Puerto Rico swallow-wort
Scientific Name: Cynanchum ephedroides
Family: Asclepiadaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Vine, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Swallow-Worts: A Diverse Group
This page provides information about various plants known as "swallow-worts," belonging primarily to the genus Cynanchum. Several species and their characteristics are mentioned below.
Considerations for Pets
- Some "swallow-worts" have "milkweed" as a synonym, and some milkweeds may produce a milky sap.
Scientific Names and Common Names
- Cynanchum ephedroides (Griseb.) Alain: Puerto Rico Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum parviflorum: Smallflower Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum maccartii Shinners: Maccart's Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum grisebachianum (Schlechter) Alain: Grisebach's Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum monense: Mona Island Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum lineare: West Indian Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum anegadense: Caribbean Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum louiseae: Black Swallow-wort
- Cynanchum rossicum: Pale Swallow-wort
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Family: Asclepiadaceae (mentioned in connection with Cynanchum ephedroides and Cynanchum grisebachianum).
- Rank: Species (confirmed for several Cynanchum species)
- Synonyms and Alternative Scientific Names:
- Cynoctonum erubescens RBr Decne (synonym for some Cynanchum species)
- Vincetoxicum hirundinaria, Vincetoxicum officinalis, Cynanchum vincetoxicum (synonyms associated with "Swallow Wort")
Distribution and Habitat
- Puerto Rico: Several Cynanchum species are native to or found in Puerto Rico, including Cynanchum ephedroides, Cynanchum grisebachianum, and others referred to as "Puerto Rico Swallow-wort."
- Virgin Islands: Mentioned as a habitat for some species.
- Mona Island: Cynanchum monense is found there.
- Caribbean: Many species are distributed throughout the Caribbean islands.
- Other Locations: Mentions of Canada, Greenland, Saint Pierre and Michelon, and specific islands in the Lesser Antilles (Anguilla, St. Barts, Barbuda, Antigua, Redonda, Montserrat, St. Eustatius, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Vincent).
- Habitat Details: One species is found in well-drained soil with little water and some sun in Puerto Rico.
Ecological Role
- Some swallow-worts, such as Sodom apple, are considered invasive in Puerto Rico.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- The text mentions "tiny star-shaped flowers" for Cynanchum nigrum (Black swallow-wort).
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Reference to swallow-worts also known as "dog-strangling vine."
Further Information
- Discover Life's page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cynanchum ephedroides.
- Plantas de la Isla de Puerto Rico/Plants of the Island of Puerto Rico (The Institute...).
- Garden Guides (for information on Caribbean Swallow-wort and gardening).