8. Apocynaceae

 

The common name for this family is "dogbane", which - in addition to being one of the 424 genera within the family - is a great word. Some members are grown as ornamentals, such as Vinca minor (periwinkle) and Mandevilla (above, named for British diplomat Henry Mandeville). Some members are poisonous, such as Nerium oleander (oleander). Many have a milky sap, the best known being milkweed.

Milkweed used to have its own family, Asclepiadaceae, but has since been merged with the Apocynaceae. Milkweeds are a critical food source for insects, notably the monarch butterfly.

(Photo taken at Old Westbury Gardens, NY)