Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnaliophyta
Class: Magnaliopsida
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocunaceae
Genus: Catharanthus
Species: C. roseus
Botanical Name: Catharanthus roseus (L) G. Don
Synonym: Vinca rosea
Common Name: Periwinkle
Physical Characteristics:
Vinca is evergreen species native to Madagascar. English name occasionally used for species is Cape Periwinkle, Rose Periwinkle, Rosy Periwinkle and Old Maid.
Vinca is a trailing herb spreading along the ground. This creeper reaches to a height of 40 cm (16 inches) but never twining or climbing. Leaves are glossy green, hairless and oval to oblong in shape.
Flowers are solitary in leaf axil and come from early spring to mid summer.Flowers come in numerous bright colors and have five lobed corolla. The fruit is a pair of follicle 2.5 cm (.98 in) long containing numerous seeds.
Uses:
The species is grown as ground cover in gardens for its ever green foliage.
Vinca can be grown in pots as well.
Medicinal Uses:
The species have been growing for its medicinal uses as well as an ornamental plant.In traditional Chinese medicine extracts have been used to treat diabetes and malaria.
Vinca can be dangerous if consumed orally.
Taxonomic Tree:
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