Vincetoxicum otophyllum (C. K. Schneid.) P. T. Li

The roots are used as medicine for rheumatism, epilepsy, hydrophobia, and detoxification of viper bites.

Cynanchum otophyllum previously included C. triangulare M. G. Gilbert & W. D. Stevens (C. deltoideum J. D. Hooker, not Hance) from northwestern India but that species, though very similar vegetatively, has a distinctly tubular corona, leaving C. otophyllum as a Chinese endemic.

Stems twining, to 2 m, pubescent along 1 line. Leaves opposite; petiole 1.5-5 cm, adaxially puberulent; leaf blade ovate-lanceolate, 4-11 × 2.5-8 cm, abaxially distinctly paler, membranous, minutely pilose, sometimes glabrescent, base strongly auriculate, basal lobes rounded, apex gradually acuminate. Inflorescences umbel-like or racemelike; peduncle 2-4 cm, puberulent to subglabrous; cymules up to 8-flowered. Pedicel 3-5 mm, puberulent on 1 side. Sepals ovate-lanceolate, ca. 1 × 0.7 mm, puberulent; basal glands 5. Corolla white, rotate; lobes oblong, 2-3 × ca. 1 mm, minutely puberulent inside. Corona slightly shorter than corolla, deeply 5-lobed; lobes oblong-lanceolate, narrower toward base, apex rounded to subacute, sometimes slightly 3-toothed, slightly fleshy, adaxially grooved with lateral longitudinal ridges, adaxial appendages minute or absent. Gynostegium short stipitate. Anther appendages ovate, erect; pollinia oblong. Stigma head slightly convex. Follicles lanceolate, 8-9 × ca. 1 cm, with 2 ridges or angles. Seeds ovate, ca. 6 × 3 mm; coma ca. 3 cm. Fl. Jun-Oct, fr. Aug-Dec.

Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Sichuan, Xizang, Yunnan

* Thickets, open woods; 1000-3000 m.

Cyathella otophylla (C. K. Schneider) C. Y. Wu & D. Z. Li.