> Hardwoods > Apocynaceae
Common Name and Type Genus: Dogbane family, derived from the Apocynum genus
Distribution: Primarily tropical regions worldwide
Family Size: Over 400 genera and approximately 5,000 species
Notable Genera: The most commercially significant genera are Aspidosperma of Central and South America, Alstonia found in Africa, Asia, and Australia—as well as jelutong (Dyera costulata).
Comments: The dogbane family is very large and diverse. The type genus, Apocynum, is comprised entirely of smaller plants and does not contain any wood-producing species. Many plants in the family are poisonous to humans, and a handful of species have also had medicinal uses.
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