17-565: Apocynaceae ( / ə ˌ p ɑː s ə ˈ n eɪ s i ˌ aɪ , - s iː ˌ iː / , from Apocynum , Greek for "dog-away") is a family of flowering plants that includes trees, shrubs, herbs, stem succulents, and vines, commonly known as the dogbane family , because some taxa were used as dog poison. Members of the family are native to the European, Asian, African, Australian, and American tropics or subtropics, with some temperate members. The former family Asclepiadaceae (now known as Asclepiadoideae )
34-435: A synsepalous , five-lobed calyx united into a tube at the base. Inflorescences are terminal or axillary . Five petals are united into a tube with four or five epipetalous stamens . The style head is swollen. The pollen is transported in foam. The ovary is usually superior , bicarpellary, and apocarpous, with a common fused style and stigma. (Fig. 5. and Fig.6. in the illustration of Rhigospira quadrangularis show
51-412: A ready example. Genera studied and known to contain such glycosides include Acokanthera , Apocynum , Cerbera , Nerium , Thevetia and Strophanthus . Rauvolfia serpentina (Indian snakeroot) contains the alkaloid reserpine , which has been used as an antihypertensive and an antipsychotic drug but its adverse effects limit its clinical use. Catharanthus roseus yields alkaloids used in
68-575: A time (singly) with each occurrence on alternating sides of the stem, but usually occur in pairs (and rarely in whorls ). When paired, they occur on opposite sides of the stem (opposite), with each pair occurring at an angle rotated 90° to the pair below it ( decussate ). There is no stipule (a small leaf-like structure at the base of the leaf stem), or stipules are small and sometimes finger-like. Flowers have radial symmetry ( actinomorphic ), and are borne in heads that are cymes or racemes , or are solitary in axils. They are perfect (bisexual), with
85-425: A typical tripartite style which divides into three zones (specialised for pollen deposition, viscin secretion, and the reception of pollen). The fruit is a drupe , a berry , a capsule , or a (frequently paired) follicle . The seeds are often winged or have appendages of long silky hairs. As of 2012, the family was described as comprising some 5,100 species, in five subfamilies: The former family Asclepiadaceae
102-452: Is a small genus of the flowering plant family Apocynaceae . Its name comes from Ancient Greek ἀπόκυνον apókunon , from ἀπο- apo- "away" and κύων kúōn "dog", referring to dogbane ( Cionura erecta ), which was used to poison dogs. The genus is native to North America , temperate Asia , and southeastern Europe . Apocynum species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, including
119-651: Is an antihypertensive drug used in the treatment of high blood pressure. Many genera are grown as ornamental plants , including Amsonia (bluestar), Nerium (oleander), Vinca (periwinkle), Carissa (Natal plum), Allamanda (golden trumpet), Plumeria (frangipani), Thevetia , Mandevilla (Savannah flower), and Adenium (desert-rose). In addition, the genera Landolphia , Carpodinus , and Mascarenhasia have been used as commercial sources of inferior rubber. (See Congo rubber ) There are limited dietary uses of plants from this family. The flower of Echites panduratus (common name: loroco )
136-460: Is considered a subfamily of Apocynaceae and contains 348 genera. A list of Apocynaceae genera may be found here . Many species are tall trees found in tropical forests, but some grow in tropical dry ( xeric ) environments. Also perennial herbs from temperate zones occur. Many of these plants have milky latex, and many species are poisonous if ingested, the family being rich in genera containing alkaloids and cardiac glycosides , those containing
153-725: Is edible. Carissa (Natal plum) produces an edible fruit, but all other parts of the plant are poisonous. The genus Apocynum was reportedly used as a source of fiber by Native Americans. The aromatic fruit juice from Saba comorensis (syn. Landolphia comorensis , the Bungo or Mbungo fruit ) is used as a drink. Finally, ethnopharmacologic and ethnotoxicologic uses are also known. The roots of Tabernanthe iboga and certain Voacanga species have traditionally been used ceremonially as hallucinogens in Africa. The ibogaine -type alkaloids responsible for
170-544: Is included in Apocynaceae according to the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group III ( APG III ) modern, largely molecular-based system of flowering plant taxonomy. An updated classification, including 366 genera, 25 tribes, and 49 subtribes, was published in 2014. 376 genera are currently accepted. Species in this family are distributed mainly in tropical regions: Several genera are preferred larval host plants for
187-666: The Queen Butterfly ( Danaus gilippus ). Many species of plants from the family Apocynaceae have some toxicity, with some being extremely poisonous if parts are ingested, or if they are not handled properly. Genera containing cardiac glycosides — Cerbera , Nerium , Asclepias , Cascabela , Strophanthus , Acokanthera , Apocynum , Thevetia , etc.—have therapeutic ranges, but are often associated with accidental poisonings, in many cases lethal (see below). Alkaloid -producing species like Rauvolfia serpentina , Catharanthus roseus , and Tabernanthe iboga are likewise
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#1732847800794204-464: The mouse moth and the queen butterfly . Apocynum cannabinum is used as a source of fiber by Native Americans . Apocynum venetum ( Chinese : 羅布麻 ) is used as an herbal tea in China . Dogbane contains cymarin , a cardiotonic agent formerly used to treat cardiac arrhythmia in humans. Almost 300 names have been proposed in the genus for species, subspecies, and forms. As of 2019 , only
221-416: The following five species and hybrids are currently recognized, with several subspecies and varieties accepted for A. androsaemifolium and A. venetum (see their respective species pages). Cascabela Cascabela is a genus of flowering plants in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae . It is native to Mexico , Central America , and South America . As of November 2023 , Plants of
238-415: The latter often finding use as arrow poisons. Some genera of Apocynaceae, such as Adenium , bleed clear sap without latex when damaged, and others, such as Pachypodium , have milky latex apart from their sap. The dogbane/milkweed family includes annual plants, perennial herbs, stem succulents, woody shrubs, trees, or vines. Most exude a milky latex when cut. Leaves are simple . They may appear one at
255-460: The psychoactivity of these plants have been studied with regard to the treatment of drug addiction. The juice of Acokanthera species such as A. venenata and the milky juice of the Namibian Pachypodium have been used as poison for arrow tips. Many species are ornamental in gardens or as houseplants. Apocynum Apocynum , commonly known as dogbane or Indian hemp ,
272-461: The source of compounds with therapeutic ranges, but which have significant associated toxicities if not taken in appropriate doses and in controlled fashion. (See below) Several members of the family Apocynaceae have had economic uses in the past. Several are sources of important natural products —pharmacologic tool compounds and drug research candidates, and in some cases actual prescription drugs. Cardiac glycosides , which affect heart function, are
289-454: The treatment of cancer. Tabernanthe iboga , Voacanga africana , and Tabernaemontana undulata contain the alkaloid ibogaine , which is a psychedelic drug which may help with drug addiction, but which has significant adverse effects, with ibogaine being both cardiotoxic and neurotoxic. Ajmalicine , an alkaloid found in Rauvolfia spp., Catharanthus roseus , and Mitragyna speciosa ,
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