What is "asperula cynanchica"

Squinance \Squin"ance\ (skw[i^]n"ans), Squinancy \Squin"an*cy\ (-an*s[y^]), n. [F. esquinancie, OF. squinance, esquinance. See Quinsy.]

1. (Med.) The quinsy. See Quinsy. [Obs.]

2. (Bot.) A European perennial herb ( Asperula cynanchica) with narrowly linear whorled leaves; -- formerly thought to cure the quinsy. Also called quincewort.

   Squinancy berries, black currants; -- so called because used to cure the quinsy.
   --Dr. Prior.

Asperula cynanchica (squinancywort or squincywort) is a species of flowering plant in the Rubiaceae family. Its common name is derived from its former use as a medicinal herb to cure quinsy. It is native to much of southern and central Europe from Spain and Ireland to Russia.

In Sweden, the roots have been used as a red dying agent.