Taxonomy of Angiosperms: Family: Apocynaceae
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The document discusses the taxonomy and botanical description of the Apocynaceae family, highlighting plants such as Thevetia and Vinca found in various climates. It details their characteristics, including plant structure, flowers, and economic importance, particularly in medicine and ornamentation. Key species mentioned include Raulvolfia serpentina and Catharanthus roseus, which have valuable medicinal properties.
Taxonomy of Angiosperms: Family: Apocynaceae
- 1. Taxonomy of Angiosperms Family Apocynaceae Dr. A. S. Naik
- 2. Thevetia Nerium Alstonia Vinca Tabernaemontana
- 3. Distribution • Many are tall trees found in tropical rainforests. • some grow in tropical dry (xeric) environments. • Perennial herbs from temperate zones occur. • Members of the family are native to European, Asian, African, Australian and American tropics or subtropis, with some temperate members.
- 4. Classification: Vinca rosea • Kingdom-Plantae • Division-Angiosperms • Class- Dicotyledons • Sub class- Gamopetalae • Series-Bicarpellatae • Order –Gentianales • Family - Apocynaceae
- 5. Botanical Description • Evergreen shrubs or herbaceous plant growing 1 m tall • Plants with milky latex. • Leaves simple, exstipulate, oval to oblong, glossy green, hairless, with short petiole, arranged in opposite pairs. • Inflorescence: Solitary,(Vinca) • Roots: Branched, tap roots. • Stem: Erect, branched, solid, glabrous, rarely tuber-like and thick.
- 6. Botanical description contd. • Flowers white to dark pink with a darker red centre,Bracteate, bisexual, complete,actinomorphic, pentamerous. • Calyx- 5, gamosepalous, valvate • Corolla-5, united in tube, funnel shaped, twisted. • Androecium-5 stamens, epipetalous, short filaments, Deep inside coroll Basifixed, • Gynoecium:Bicarpellary, superior, 2 to many ovules/chamber, marginal placentation,stigma thick, bilobed, style-simple, one.
- 8. Economic Importance • Raulvolfia serpentina(Indian snakeroot) has alkaloids reserpine and rescinnamine, used in the treatment of high blood pressure. • Carissa (Natal plum) produces an edible fruit. • Catharanthus roseus yields alkaloid substances vinblastine and vincristine used in the treatment of blood cancer. • Ornamental plants : including Nerium (oleander), Vinca (periwinkle), Carissa (Natal plum), Thevetia (lucky nut), Tabermontaena.