Synopsis Asclepiadaceae: There are more than 250 genera and about 3000 species all over the world. These are mainly distributed in the tropics and in warm-temperate regions, most abundant in Africa south of the equator. In India this family is represented by 43 genera with 243 species including infraspecific taxa, of which five genera are endemic to India. Periplocaceae: There are about 40 genera and almost 200 species all over the world. These are distributed in the tropics and the warm temperate region of the old world. In India this family is represented by 12 genera, 19 species and one variety, of which 4 genera are endemic to India.