Awesome Apocynaceae

SERIES 34 | Episode 35

Jerry introduces the Apocynaceae family - a group of plants that he says is so versatile, you’ll find it in every suburb of Australia!

There are more than 5,000 species in the family, including trees, shrubs, vines and herbaceous plants. They’re mostly found in the tropical and subtropical climates, with some adapted to the niche of tropical dry environments.

Simple, linear leaves are a common feature of the plants, and they nearly all like to grow in full sun and freely draining soil.

Frangipani flowers are a perfect example of the structure of all flowers in this family: there are 5 petals, arranged in radial symmetry, and looking a bit like a propeller.  They typically have a long tube at the base of the flower where nectar is stored.

Frangipani - the genus Plumeria - are one of the best-known and best-loved Apocynaceae, and while there are only a few species in this group, there are now hundreds of different cultivars, so look beyond the classic white or pink.

The fragrance is stronger at night to attract moths, which are their main pollinators. They all take easily from cuttings, which are best taken in winter. Simply cut a fleshy branch, remove any leaves or flowers, allow it to air dry until a callous forms over the cut end, then plant in the ground or a pot.

Another Apocynaceae is Tabernaemontana, which is also highly fragrant. It’s usually seen as a free-form bush but it can also be clipped to formal or informal hedges, especially the small-leafed form.

Plants that have evolved to cope with dry tropics include the Madagascar Palm (Pachypodium baronii), which is prized by collectors, and has swollen trunk and spikes in groups of three.

Desert Roses are also in this family and look like miniature boababs, only with showy, brightly coloured flowers.

Another scented Apocynaceae is star jasmine, which can be grown in a hanging basket, as a climber or as a groundcover. The variegated form has fewer flowers but attractive leaves in a range of white and pinks. It won’t tolerate frost but is fairly drought tolerant and isn’t affected by many pests or diseases.

Many members of the family have a sap that can be an irritant, or even toxic, so wear gloves an eye protection when pruning.

Some can be weedy in different parts of the country. Yellow allamanda is safe to grow from Sydney to Brisbane, but can be weedy in Far North Queensland.

* Check before planting: this may be an environmental weed in your area

Filmed on Turrbal & Yuggera Country | Brisbane, Qld