Periwinkle family
Description
A family of trees, shrubs and climbers with latex in all parts, occurring mainly in the tropics, with a few temperate outliers (Apocynaceae 1).
The leaves are simple, mostly opposite or whorled. Flowers are large, fragrant and with a 5-lobed calyx- and corolla tube, 5 stamens and a superior or half inferior ovary. The fruits are paired, fleshy or woody and dehiscent.
There are about 200 genera.
Use
Some genera produce alkaloids and glycosids which are used in heartcomplaints. The Genus Carissa yields edible fruits.
Described species
Carissa grandiflora, Natal plum