Apocynum venetum


Apocynum venetum, commonly known as sword-leaf dogbane, is a plant species in the dogbane family that is poisonous but used as a source of fiber, medicine, and nectar for production of honey.

Distribution and habitat

Apocynum venetum is considered to be native to a wide range in northern Asia and Southeast Europe: Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, Ex-Yugoslavia, Turkey, Ukraine, Russia, Siberia, Central Asia, Iran, Iraq, Cyprus, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, and Japan. It grows in swamps, wet places, and maritime sands.

Uses

Apocynum venetum is a valuable bast fibre, compared favorably to silk, ramie, cashmere, and cotton. Apocynum venetum leaves have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of hypertension.

Subspecies

Subspecies include:
  1. Apocynum venetum subsp. armenum ined. – Turkey, Iran, Caucasus
  2. Apocynum venetum subsp. basikurumon ined. – Japan
  3. Apocynum venetum subsp. lancifolium ined. – Siberia, China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan
  4. Apocynum venetum subsp. russanovii ined. – Ostriv Dzharylhach Peninsula in Ukraine
  5. Apocynum venetum subsp. sarmatiense ined. – Bulgaria, Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Caucasus
  6. Apocynum venetum subsp. scabrum ined. – Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan
  7. Apocynum venetum subsp. tauricum ined. – Cape St. Ilya in Crimea
  8. Apocynum venetum subsp. venetum – Italy