Periwinkle, Madagascar

Catharanthus roseus Syn. Vinca rosea

Family: Apocynaceae
Perennial evergreen vining ground cover. Native to Madagascar, escaped to the
tropics of the old and new world; grown as a showy summer flower in temperate
zones. The leaves and roots of this plant contain over 60 distinct alkaloids, used to
treat infant leukemia, Hodgkins disease and tumors. Cultivation: Easy. Sow in the
greenhouse in early spring for flowers in the first year, or sow directly in the garden.
Full sun or partial shade. Space plants 1 foot apart. Flowers white to rose to 1 foot.

Return to Herb Seed Index