Apocynaceae is a fascinating plant family with an interesting story. These plants are known for their unique characteristics and diverse uses. One intriguing anecdote involves the Madagascan periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), a member of the Apocynaceae family.
The Madagascan periwinkle possesses impressive medicinal properties and has been traditionally used in folk remedies. In the 1950s, scientists discovered that the periwinkle produces powerful anti-cancer compounds known as vinca alkaloids. These compounds are now used in the treatment of various cancers, including leukemia and Hodgkin’s disease.
The discovery of the anti-cancer properties of the Madagascan periwinkle revolutionized cancer treatment and saved countless lives worldwide. It serves as a testament to the immense potential of nature and the importance of biodiversity in our fight against diseases.
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Plant some seeds now!
Short Description
Apocynaceae (/əˌpɑːsəˈneɪsiˌaɪ, -siːˌiː/, 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.[when?] 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) 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 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.
Description
Alstonia scholaris, arrangement of leaves
Growth pattern
The dogbane/milkweed family includes annual plants, perennial herbs, stem succulents, woody shrubs, trees, or vines. Most exude a milky latex when cut.
Leaves and stems
Leaves are simple. They may appear one at 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).
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