Apocynaceae is a family of flowering plants that is found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It is a diverse family that includes many different species of plants, from trees and shrubs to vines and herbs. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of Apocynaceae, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and root words, along with some example sentences.
Definitions
Apocynaceae is a family of flowering plants that belongs to the order Gentianales. The family includes about 5,000 species of plants that are found in the tropics and subtropics. The plants in this family are characterized by their milky sap, opposite leaves, and often showy flowers. Some of the most well-known plants in this family include the oleander, frangipani, and periwinkle.
Origin
The Apocynaceae family is believed to have originated in the tropics of Africa and Madagascar, but it has since spread to other parts of the world, including the Americas, Asia, and Australia. The family is thought to have evolved around 80 million years ago, during the Late Cretaceous period.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, Apocynaceae is defined as “a family of flowering plants, typically with milky sap and opposite leaves, including the dogbane, oleander, and periwinkle.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a large family of chiefly tropical and subtropical plants (order Gentianales) having milky sap and opposite leaves and including some that are poisonous or yield useful products (such as rubber or the drugs reserpine and vincristine).”
Associations
The plants in the Apocynaceae family are often associated with tropical and subtropical regions, as they are most commonly found in these areas. They are also associated with milky sap, opposite leaves, and showy flowers. Some plants in this family are known for their medicinal properties, while others are poisonous.
Synonyms
There are no commonly used synonyms for Apocynaceae, as it is a specific scientific name for a family of plants.
Antonyms
There are no commonly used antonyms for Apocynaceae, as it is a specific scientific name for a family of plants.
The same root words
The root word of Apocynaceae is “apocynum,” which is a genus of plants in the family Apocynaceae. The word “apocynum” comes from the Greek words “apo,” meaning “away from,” and “kynos,” meaning “dog.” This is because some species of plants in this genus were traditionally used to treat dog bites.
Example Sentences
- The frangipani is a beautiful plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family.
- Some species of plants in the Apocynaceae family are poisonous and should not be ingested.
- The milky sap of plants in the Apocynaceae family can be irritating to the skin and eyes.
- The periwinkle, a plant in the Apocynaceae family, is often used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
- The Apocynaceae family is a diverse group of plants that includes everything from trees and shrubs to vines and herbs.