Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don

Madagascar Periwinkle; Rosy Periwinkle; Cayenne Jasmine

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Madagascar Periwinkle is an introduced frost sensitive sub-shrub in the Dogbane family (Apocynaceae). It is native and endemic to Madagascar, but is widely planted as an ornamental. It Alabama it has been collected as an escape in the southern half of the state. Madagascar Periwinkle occurs along roads and sidewalks, on vacant lots, and around trash dumps. It is a frost sensitive sub-shrub from a tap root that is grown as an annual in our area. Stems are erect, branched, up to 3 feet in height, somewhat woody at the base, longitudinally ridged or narrowly winged, green or reddish in color, and slightly pubescent (at least when young). Leaves are alternate, short petiolate, elliptic to oblong in outline, entire, and slightly pubescent or glabrous. The leaves are dark glossy green in color with pale veins. Flowers are produced in pairs from the leaf axils. Each flower has 5 narrow, green sepals. The corolla is salverform with a long narrow tube and 5 spreading lobes. Flower color varies from white through pink to red. The center of the flower is often white in color. The fruit is a follicle. Madagascar Periwinkle is the source of two drugs (vincristine and vinblastine) that are used to treat cancer. It is often used as a bedding plant and flowers throughout the summer. It prefers a well-draining soil in full sun to part shade. Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.—A. Diamond

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Not Native

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