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.
Uses
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]
Species
Almost 300 names have been proposed in the genus for species, subspecies, and forms.[1] As of 2019, only the following five species and hybrids are currently recognized, with several subspecies and varieties accepted for A. androsaemifolium and A. venetum (see their respective species pages).[10]
- Apocynum androsaemifolium L. – Canada, United States, northeastern Mexico
- Apocynum cannabinum L. – Canada, United States
- Apocynum × floribundum Greene (a hybrid of A. androsaemifolium and A. cannabinum) – Canada, United States, northern Mexico
- Apocynum pictum Schrenk – China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan
- Apocynum venetum L. – southeastern Europe and Asia
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