The taxonomic treatment of Vincetoxicum macrophyllum Siebold & Zucc. and its closely related taxa (Asclepiadoideae, Apocynaceae) in Japan has been historically confused, along with their Japanese names. Here, we briefly reviewed the historical treatment of V. macrophyllum var. macrophyllum (“Tsukushi-gashiwa”) and var. nikoense Maxim. (“Tsuru-gashiwa”), as well as V. nakaianum K.Mochizuki & Ohi-Toma (“Tachi-gashiwa”). In addition, we designate lectotypes of V. macrophyllumvar. nikoense, Cynanchum kiusianum Nakai, and C. lasiocarpum Koidz.
