TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA

Cynanchum viminale, Sarcostemma viminale

Caustic Bush, Rapunzel Plant
Family: Apocynaceae (Formerly:Asclepiadaceae)
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Origin: Western Africa
Groundcover and low-growing 2ft plant

Ethnomedical plant.
Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles.
Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.

Cynanchum viminale is a leafless succulent plant with cylindrical, green photosynthetic stems. The plant may grow as a shrub or a scandent vine. The stems produce copious amounts of milky exudate when broken. This exudate is caustic in nature and can cause burns if it contacts human skin. The plant produces small white flowers in clusters.

Toxicity appears to be variable, even locally.

An interesting plant for succulent, cactus and rock/cliff gardens and spilling over dry walls. It also does well in hanging containers.

Similar plants:

Funastrum clausum, Sarcostemma clausum (White Milkweed-vine)
Funastrum elegans, Sarcostemma elegans (Climbing Milkweed)

Link to this plant:

https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/cynanchum_viminale.htm

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