Apocynaceae Gallery
Apocynaceae is a family of flowering plants in the order Gentianales
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Apocynaceae is a family of flowering plants in the order Gentianales. It includes trees, shrubs, herbs, and vines that are found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The family contains over 5,000 species in more than 400 genera. Many species are used medicinally or as ornamentals. The leaves plants are usually opposite or whorled and often have milky sap. The flowers can be bisexual or unisexual with five petals and sepals that form a tube-like structure called a corolla tube. The fruit is usually a drupe containing one seed surrounded by fleshy tissue called an aril. Apocynaceae has many economically important species such as oleander (Nerium oleander), which is widely cultivated for its showy flowers; periwinkle (Vinca minor), which is used medicinally; and rauvolfia (Rauvolfia serpentina), which produces compounds used to treat hypertension and other conditions. Other members of the family include frangipani (Plumeria rubra) for its fragrant flowers; adenium (Adenium obesum) for its ornamental caudex; mandevilla (Mandevilla spp.) for its showy flowers; allamanda (Allamanda cathartica) for its bright yellow blooms.