Cynanchum rossicum

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-007219",
  "term": "Cynanchum rossicum",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "Pale or European swallow-wort (previously Vincetoxicum rossicum) is a long-lived perennial, twining herbaceous vine. The leaves are oval shaped with pointed tips, 3-4 in. long by 2-3 in. wide, and occur in pairs along the stem. The small five-petaled, star shaped flowers are creamy pink to reddish brown, about ¼ in. across, and are borne in clusters. The fruits are slender tapered pods, 2-3 in. long by about ¼ in. wide, that turn from green to light brown as they mature. When ripe, the fruits open along a seam and release flattened seeds equipped with a downy parachute that aids in wind dispersal. In contrast to its invasive relative the black swallow-wort (C. louiseae), pale swallow-wort does not have rhizomes. Plants tend to grow in clumps of several to many stems, forming extensive patches.",
  "subject": "Biological substances",
  "references": [
    "National Park Service Plant Conservation Alliance at http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/cyro1.htm"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/cynanchum-rossicum/"
}