Cynanchum
(from kynos, a dog, and ancho, to strangle; in allusion to the poisonous properties of some species). SYN. Symphyoglossum. ORD. Asclepiadeae. A genus containing about eighteen species of twining herbs or sub-shrubs, native of South Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Umbels interpetiolar; corolla sub-rotate, five-parted; corona membranous, forming a loose cup or tube round the anthers; anthers terminated by a membrane. Leave opposite. The following species are of very easy culture in ordinary garden soil; and are readily propagated by dividing the roots, in spring. C. acutum (acute). fl. white or rose-coloured, scented, in small, stalked, axillary or terminal umbels. July. l. lanceolate, deeply cordate at the base. h. 2ft. to 12ft. South Europe, &c. Hardy climber.
C. nigrum (black). A synonym of Vincetoxicum nigrum. C. pilosum (pilose). A synonym of Vincetoxicum pilosum. C. roseum (rosy).* fl. rosy-red. Summer. l. shortly stalked, narrow-linear. h. 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. Western Asia. Hardy perennial. SYN. Cycoctonum roseum. C. Vincetoxicum (Vincetoxicum). A synonym of Vincetoxicum officinale.