FORM herbs, shrubs, and climbing vines

Genera    200      

Species  2000 in our area 37 (Gray); 30 (B&B)⁴³

Distribution warmer regions of the world. In our area Asclepias is the most common genus.

Flowers regular in umbel-like cymes (false umbels). Seeds normally with a tuft of hair for dispersal.

#Parts    5 fused sepals, 5 fused petals, 5 stamens. Symmetry

Leaves Simple entire, opposite or whorled, contain milky sap