Araujia Brot.
Named after the 19th century Portuguese plant collector Antonio de Malos Araujo this genus of South American woody climbers is in the sub family Oxypetalinae. The type species is Araujia sericifera Brot., known as the 'Cruel Plant' for its habit of trapping pollinating moths by the tongue as they transfer the pollinia. Although it needs support the plant can be grown in tubs in the northern hemisphere, but these must be over wintered in a frost free environment.
Asclepias Linné
The genus Asclepias Linné, in the subfamily Asclepiadinae, is named for Asklepios, the ancient Greek deity of medicine, and reflects the fact that a number of the species are used in native medicinal remedies. The genus has recently been revised with the species growing in the Americas being retained in Asclepias whilst the African/Arabian species have been transferred to Gomphocarpus. The species listed can be grown outdoors as hardy perennials however in northern Europe it would be wise to grow them in tubs and over winter them in greenhouse conditions where they should be watered sparingly.
Typical of the New World Asclepias species, this narrow leafed species from South America and South East Asia has smooth narrow seed pods. As with all the New World Asclepias species the seed should be subjected to at least six weeks refrigeration before sowing, which vastly improves the germination rate.
Another of the narrow leaved types, this species endemic to North America benefits from having its seed refrigerated for six weeks prior to sowing.
Another North American species, but this one germinated from seed without having to resort to the refrigeration process given to Asclepias incarnata.
Aspidoglossum E.Meyer
Aspidoglossum E.Meyer, derives its name from the Greek words 'aspidos', shield and 'glossa', tongue, which refer to the segments of the corona. The genus, also in the subfamily Asclepiadinae, is from SE Africa, and is comprised of perennials with deciduous herbaceous above ground parts.
From Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa this species has a tuberous turnip shaped root, bearing a single slender stem to 60cm in height, with slim straight leaves, the flowers appear at the growing tip of the stem. The plant pictured was grown from seed (IAS1210, PRA318S) collected by Philip Alp north of Pretoria.
Also from seed (IAS1607, PRA401S) collected by Philip Alp north of Pretoria, this species differs from A.carinatum in having slightly larger flowers, and slender leaves recurved back to the stem.