Apocynaceae

Growth habit

Category: Plumeria Characteristics and Tree | Related terms: Characteristics and Tree

Apocynaceae is a family of flowering plants that includes trees, shrubs, herbs, stem succulents, and vines, commonly called the dogbane family, after the American plant known as dogbane, Apocynum cannabinum. Members of the family are native to European, Asian, African, Australian, and American tropics or subtropics, with some temperate members.

Many species are tall trees found in tropical rainforests, but some grow in tropical dry (xeric) environments. Also perennial herbs from temperate zones occur. Many of these plants have milky latex, and many species are poisonous if ingested. Some genera of Apocynaceae, such as Adenium, have milky latex apart from their sap, and others, such as Pachypodium, have clear sap and no latex.

Plumeria Database context: Apocynaceae can describe how a plumeria grows as a woody tree or shrub, including branching, stem behavior, dormancy, internodes, and overall habit. Growth traits help separate compact, upright, lanky, spreading, and vigorous cultivars.

What to look for: Observe the whole plant over time, not just one branch. Note branching pattern, tip growth, seasonal leaf drop, container behavior, bloom habit, and whether the plant stays compact or becomes large and open.

Identification note: This term is one clue. A plumeria should be compared using all available traits, photos, source history, and growing context rather than a single characteristic.

  • Plumeria Meanings and Symbolism
  • Glossary: Plumeria obtusa
    Plumeria obtusa: Plumeria obtusa is a species of the genus Plumeria (Apocynaceae). It is native to West Indies including Bahamas; southern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Florida. Plumeria context is explained on the term page.
  • Glossary: Plumeria alba
    Plumeria alba: Plumeria alba is a species of the genus Plumeria (Apocynaceae). This 2-8m evergreen shrub has narrow elongated leaves, large and strongly perfumed white flowers with... Plumeria context is explained on the term page.
  • Glossary: Plumeria pudica
    Plumeria pudica: Plumeria pudica is a species of the genus Plumeria (Apocynaceae), native to Panama, Colombia and Venezuela. This profuse bloomer has unusual spoon-shaped leaves, and its... Plumeria context is explained on the term page.
  • Glossary: Plumeria clusioides
    Plumeria clusioides: Plumeria clusioides is a species of the genus Plumeria the the family Apocynaceae. It is endemic to the Island of Cuba. Plumeria context is explained on the term page.