Vincetoxicum funebre

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Alexitoxicon funebre
• Vincetoxicum latifolium
• Cynanchum funebre
• Antitoxicum funebre

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Gentianales, it is classified under the family Apocynaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Vincetoxicum, specifically the species Vincetoxicum funebre.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution spanning several key regions across Eurasia. Within Southeastern Europe, its presence is documented in Greece. Its range extends into the Caucasus region, where it can be found in both the North Caucasus and the Transcaucasus. Furthermore, the species is distributed throughout Western Asia, specifically inhabiting the territories of Iran and Türkiye. These diverse locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive across various Mediterranean and mountainous landscapes.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Vincetoxicum funebre is defined by its preference for high-altitude environments, where it thrives primarily in mountains and stony places. This species is adapted to rugged, well-drained terrains, often colonizing rocky outcrops and slopes where soil may be thin or interspersed with lithic substrates. By occupying these montane niches, the plant utilizes the specific microclimates provided by mountainous topography, navigating the challenges of exposed, stony landscapes to establish its presence within these specialized alpine or subalpine ecosystems.

Habitat :

mountains, stony places

Life history

The life history of Vincetoxicum funebre is characterized by its classification as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural survival strategy, it functions as a cryptophyte, meaning its regenerative buds are protected underground or at the soil surface during unfavorable conditions. Furthermore, its specific life form is categorized as a geophyte, indicating that it relies on specialized underground storage organs to endure periods of dormancy and facilitate regrowth.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Vincetoxicum funebre is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb. The plant exhibits a versatile habitat range, occurring in aquatic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial environments. In terms of stature, it maintains a relatively low profile with a plant height ranging from a minimum of 0.4 m to a maximum of 0.7 m. The shoot orientation is distinctly erect, supporting its herbaceous structure throughout its development.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Plant height max:

0.7 m

Plant height min:

0.4 m

Shoot orientation :

erect

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Vincetoxicum funebre is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering window that dictates its reproductive cycle. The flowering period typically commences in May, marking the onset of its reproductive phase, and continues through the early summer months until it reaches its conclusion in July. This seasonal timing ensures that the plant's floral development is synchronized with specific environmental conditions, facilitating its reproductive success within its natural habitat.

Flowering time :

May

Flowering time :

Jul

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Vincetoxicum funebre has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Daucosterol, Querciturone.

Daucosterol

1. Journal of biomolecular structure & dynamics

Querciturone

1. Journal of biomolecular structure & dynamics