Periploca L.
Genus composed of 17 laticiferous species, distributed through Africa, Asia and Europe, that grow from rain forests to dry savannahs or desert thickets. In Africa it is represented by 4 species, 2 of which are distributed in North Africa. Most species are shrubs, although some are lianas. Stamens are inserted into a structure of the corolla called the corona. Follicles are paired, linear-ovoid to narrowly ovoid.
Ionta, G.M. & Judd W.S. 2007. Phylogenetic relationships in Periplocoideae (Apocynaceae sl) and insights into the origin of pollinia 1. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden, 94(2), 360-375.
Venter, H.J.T. 1997. A revision of Periploca (Periplocaceae). South African Journal of Botany, 63(3), 123-128.
Key to species
1 Climbing shrub, with visible leaves (up to 3 cm long), persistent or promptly deciduous. Corolla glabrous Periploca angustifolia
1 Upright shrub, with very small leaves (up to 0.8 cm long), bractiform, promptly deciduous. Corolla lobes densely villous on the margin of the adaxial side. Periploca aphylla
Updated by: J.F. Mota & F.J. Pérez García.