Madagascar periwinkle

Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), also known as Rosy Periwinkle, is a species of flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae. It is native to Madagascar, but has been naturalized in various other parts of the world.

Description

The Madagascar Periwinkle is an evergreen subshrub or herbaceous plant that grows up to 1 meter in height. The leaves are oval to oblong, broad, glossy green, and hairless. The flowers are white to dark pink with a darker red center, with a basal tube that is 2.5–3 cm long and a corolla 2–5 cm diameter with five petal-like lobes.

Distribution and Habitat

The Madagascar Periwinkle is native to Madagascar, but has been introduced and naturalized in other parts of the world, including tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Americas. It prefers full sun and regular water but is drought tolerant and can thrive in poor, sandy or rocky soils.

Uses

The Madagascar Periwinkle has been used in traditional medicine in various cultures. It is also used as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers and shiny foliage. In addition, it is a source of the drugs vincristine and vinblastine, used to treat cancer.

Cultivation

Madagascar Periwinkle is propagated from seed or cuttings and prefers well-drained soil and sunny locations. It is resistant to most pests and diseases, but can be affected by aphids, mites, and fungi.

Conservation

While the Madagascar Periwinkle is not currently considered threatened, its habitat in Madagascar is under threat from deforestation and habitat degradation.

See also

• List of plants of Madagascar
• Medicinal plants

References

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