Apocynaceae

Links to Genus Directory of Images: Allamanda cathartica Apocynum Nerium Plumeria obtusa Strophanthus_preussii - image Vinca minor

Genera : 180 - 200

Species: 1,500 - 2,000

Distribution: Pantropical with some temparate.

Economic Uses: Economic uses: as ornamentals, medicines, drugs.

Defining Features of Interest: In two subfamilies - Apocynoideae and Plumeriodeae. Contains milky latex. Nectiferous disk or nectar glands in flowermake most species fragrant.

Fossil Evidence: None known

Defining Morphology

Floral Features : Actinomorphic, often large and showy, perfect. Inflorescence a single flower to cymes. Hypogynous or perigynous.

Fruit and Seed Features : Fruit a berry, drupe, twp follicles or a schizocarp. Seeds often with hairs at one end. straight embryo, endosperm can be present or lacking. Placentation can be axil or parietal.

Vegetative Features : Habit as herbs, shrubs, trees or lianas. leaves simple, opp or whorled, evergreen (sometimes deciduous). Stipules are lacking ( rarely present).