Cirrigera

*Cirrigera* is a genus of flowering plants within the family Apocynaceae, commonly known as the milkweed family. The genus is closely related to *Asclepias*, another well-known group of milkweeds, and was historically considered part of that genus before being reclassified. Plants in the *Cirrigera* genus are primarily native to tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Africa and Asia.

The most notable species within this genus is *Cirrigera africana*, formerly known as *Asclepias africana* or *Cynanchum africana*. This species is often cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its striking appearance. It features long, slender stems with milky sap, narrow leaves, and clusters of small, star-shaped flowers. The flowers are typically white or pale green, sometimes with a yellowish hue, and bloom in dense umbels. The plant is known for its ability to thrive in various conditions, including dry soils and partial shade.

*Cirrigera* plants are often used in landscaping for their unique foliage and flowers, though they are not as widely recognized as some other milkweed species. They are also of interest to botanists and horticulturists due to their evolutionary relationships and distinctive morphological traits. Like many milkweeds, *Cirrigera* species produce latex, a milky sap that can be irritating to the skin upon contact. This sap is also a defense mechanism against herbivores.

Propagation of *Cirrigera* typically occurs through seeds or cuttings, and the plants are generally low-maintenance once established. They are occasionally confused with other milkweed relatives, such as *Hoodia* or *Caralluma*, which share similar growth habits but belong to different subfamilies within Apocynaceae. While not as extensively studied as some other genera, *Cirrigera* remains a subject of interest in plant taxonomy and horticulture.