Vincetoxicum nigrum (L.) Moench

Family: ASCLEPIADACEAE

Genus: Vincetoxicum

Catalan common name: Pebrotera borda.

Spanish common name: Matatósigo negro. Vencetósigo negro.

Province distribution: Balearic Islands. Barcelona. Castelló. Girona. Lleida. Tarragona. València.

Distribution in the islands: Mallorca. Menorca. Dragonera.

General distribution (Phytogeography): North Mediterranean

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Hemicryptophyte.

Habitats: Xero-acanthic shrubs of the mountanous regions, and steppe-grasslands of Ampelodesmos mauritanica. Rock crevices and cliff faces. Stony zones of the mountains.

Characteristics: An erect herb, although with a subterraneous rhizome, leaves are opposite, shiny and elongated at the apex. Flowers are a very dark purple. Lives in rocky areas, normally in cool, shady areas. Very similar to Vincetoxicum hirundinaria, but is easily distinguished by its flower colour, this latter species has yellow flowers.