Asclepiadaceae

Contemporary classifications of plants include the Asclepiadaceae family as a subfamily of the Apocynaceae.
Asclepiadaceae is a family represented by tropical and subtropical shrubs, semi-shrubs, lianas and rarely trees with erect or climbing stems. Most species are spread throughout Africa. They have simple leaves that are opposite, without stipules. The flowers are in top umbreliferous racemes.Pollination is done by insects or animals or is entomophilic.The fruit is in the form of elongated container or seeds with samara.The members are often succulent or xerophite species and some are poisonous, others are medicinal or used for decorative purposes.