Apocynum, commonly known as dogbane[2] or Indian hemp,[2] is a small genus of the flowering plant family Apocynaceae. Its name comes from Ancient Greek ἀπόκυνον apókunon, from ἀπο- apo- “away” and κύων kúōn “dog”,[3] referring to dogbane (Cionura erecta),[4] which was used to poison dogs.[5] The genus is native to North America, temperate Asia, and southeastern Europe.[1][6][7]
Apocynum species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, including the mouse moth and the queen butterfly.
Apocynum cannabinum was used as a source of fiber by Native Americans. Apocynum venetum (Chinese: 羅布麻) is used as an herbal tea in China.[8] Dogbane contains cymarin, a cardiotonic agent formerly used to treat cardiac arrhythmia in humans.[9]
Leave a reply
