The family Apocynaceae consists of tropical trees, shrubs and vines. Characteristic features of the family are that almost all species produce milky sap. Leaves are simple, opposite or whorled; lowers are large, colourful and slightly fragrant with five contorted lobes; and fruits are in pairs. The family Apocynaceae consists of about 250 genera and 2000 species.
In Traditional medicine, Apocynaceae species in the Asia Pacific region are used to treat fever, malaria, pain, diabetes and gastrointestinal ailments, including skin and eco-parasitic diseases.