Apocynaceæ

Apocynaceæ, or APOCYNÆ, a natural order of corollifloral Dicotyledons, chiefly tropical shrubs and trees, but represented in Britain by the Periwinkle (q.v.), and in South Europe by the Oleander (q.v.). The milky juice is usually poisonous, but sometimes drinkable (see COW-TREE). It is a frequent source of Caoutchouc (q.v.). Some yield indigo, and a few (Carissa, Hancornia) bear edible fruits; but the majority are poisonous, notably the Tanghin (Tanghinia), or ordeal-seed of Madagascar. Canadian hemp (Apocynum cannabinum) yields a strong fibre, long known to the Indians. Some Apocynaceæ are cultivated as hot-house plants, especially Allamanda.