A genus of tropical climbing vines or shrubs in the dogbane family, known for their milky sap and ornamental flowers.
From Greek 'echis' (viper), likely named for the plant's climbing, snake-like growth pattern or possibly its toxic milky sap.
Many Echites species have adapted to tropical rainforests by producing toxic milky sap that deters herbivores—it's the plant equivalent of a viper's warning, and some species' compounds are being studied for cancer research!
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