Apocynaceae A.L. de Jussieu. Common name: Dogbane Family.

Contributed by Alan S. Weakley and Scott G. Ward

Key to Apocynaceae

As here circumscribed including the Asclepiadaceae, a family of about 440-480 genera and about 4800-5350 species, lianas, shrubs, perennial herbs, and trees, widespread in tropical and temperate areas (Endress et al. 2018). There appears to be overwhelming evidence favoring the combination of the Asclepiadaceae into the Apocynaceae; see, for instance, Rosatti (1989), Sennblad & Bremer (1996), and many others. Subfamilial classification follows Morales, Endress, & Liede-Schumann (2017), Morales & Endress (2024), and others.

ID notes: Some important diagnostic characters in the Apocynaceae include the presence or absence of interpetiolar colleters (stipule-like structures often at petiole or leaf bases or between petioles of separate blades), and stems variously herbaceous or woody, and stem-twining or simply trailing or climbing (for vining species). Additionally, the latex exuded from leaves or plant parts (when picked off live plants) can be white and milky or clear-colored. The fruit are usually follicles or capsules; the seeds often accompanied by tufts of hair aiding in dispersal. The most complex structures of genera and species include the flowers. Many references to the family and genera within make reference to "gynostegial coronas." While not present in all taxa, a gynostegium is a floral structure in which the gynoecium (female portion of the flower) and androecium (male portion) are fused into one structure, specifically the heads of the styles and the columns of the stamens. A corona is a crown-like structure sitting between the petals and stamens, and has evolved across different plant families and genera (e.g., Daffodils). In the Apocynaceae (especially Asclepiads), the gynostegial corona is a unique structure with hoods and horns sitting atop flowers, the flowers uniquely adapted for pollination.

References: Endress et al. (2018) In Kadereit & Bittrich (2018); Endress, Liede-Schumann, & Meve (2014); Fishbein, Lemke, & Krings (2023) In Flora of North America Editorial Committee (2023c); Liede (1997a); Morales & Endress (2024); Morales, Endress, & Liede-Schumann (2017); Rosatti (1989); Woodson (1938). Show full citations.

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