Apocynaceae (family)

Family containing over 420 genera and around 1500 species of trees, shrubs, woody vines, and herbs. Many species are tall trees found in tropical rainforests. Members of the family have milky, often poisonous juice; smooth-margined leaves; and flowers in clusters (rarely solitary). The fruit may be berrylike or fleshy but usually is a dry pod (follicle) that splits open at maturity, releasing many winged or tufted seeds.