Apocynaceae

Plants in this family usually have milky sap and cells that produce latex. New Brunswick species are non-woody (herbaceous) upright plants and vines, including Milkweeds, and Dogbanes. In the tropics and subtropics where many more species are present, this family also includes trees, shrubs, woody vines and succulents resembling cacti.

Petals usually 5 and fused to one another forming a tube, wheel, bell or funnel. Sepals also 5 and fused to one another. Stamens usually 5, attached to the fused petal tube and alternating with its lobes. Carpels usually 2 and usually only attached to one another at or near the tips. Fruit are follicles that open lengthwise along a single line and are filled with many flattened seeds that often have a tuft of hairs.

Leaves are simple and usually opposite.