| Classification |
| Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order Type: Eudicots-Asterids I
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae + Asclepiadaceae
Family Common Name: Milkweed Family
Genera: Amsonia, Asclepias, Catharanthus, Nerium, vinca |
Defining Features: Usually
contains milky latex. Nectiferous disk or nectar glands in flower make
most species fragrant.
Defining Morphology: Floral
Features: Flowers are actinomorphic, often large, showy and bisexual. Inflorescences
are determinate or indeterminate, axillary or terminal or reduced to a
single flower. Embryo is superior with lateral or axile placentation. Nectar
disk is often present. Fruit and Seed Features: Dicotyledon. Fruit berry,
drupe, two follicles or a schizocarp. Seeds are often rounded with hairs
at one end. Embryo is straight or bent with or without endosperm. Vegetative
Features: Habit as herbs, shrubs, trees or lianas. Leaves are simple, alternate,
whorled or often opposite, evergreen and sometimes deciduous. Stipules
are rarely present.
Distribution: Tropical, subtropical
to warm temperate regions.
Economic Use: As cultivated
garden and indoor ornamentals and drugs.
Number of Genera Globally: 355
Number of Species Globally:
3,700
