Common Vincetoxicum

This is a very variable species in which some workers (Markgraf l.c.) have reognised a number of subspecies, others (Pobedimova in Fl. U.R.S.S. vol. 18.1952) have treated some of these as species. I have accepted this taxon in a broader sense.

‘Duthie 15766’ from’ Waziristan, Kaniguram, 6500 ft’ looks different and needs further study.

Stem erect, up to 120 cm long, puberulent to subglabrous. Leaves 6-10 x 2.5-5 cm, ovate to ovate-lanceolate, subglabrous to pubescent, specially on veins and margins. Petiole 5-11 mm. Flowers 6-15 clustered in leaf axils. Calyx 1.5 mm long, lobes linear, pubescent. Corolla glabrous within, white, yellow or greenish. Corona lobes sessile. Follicles 5-7.5 cm x 8 mm, fusiform, acuminate, glabrous.

Distribution: Most of Europe including European Russia, West Siberia, Turkey, Caucasus. Kashmir, Pakistan (Hazara, Waziristan), Himalayas up to Sikkim (Hooker f., l.c.).

Fl. Per.: May-July.