Madagascar Periwinkle
Catharanthus roseus
NEMBA: Category 1b
English: Madagascar Periwinkle, Oldmaid, Periwinkle, Pink Periwinkle, Rose Periwinkle
Afrikaans: Begraafplaasblom, Maandrosie, Soldateblom, Vinca
Zulu: Ikhwinini, Isishushlungu
Misapplied or old scientific names: Lochnera rosea, Vinca guilelmi-waldemarii, Vinca roseaCommon
Madagascar Periwinkle is a small shrub with pink or white flowers that is a declared invader in South Africa and must be controlled, or eradicated where possible. It is capable of colonising virtually any area within a wide range of ecological conditions.
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Origins: Madagascar
Overall Appearance:
Catharanthus roseus is an evergreen subshrub or herbaceous plant growing 1 meter tall.
Leaves:
Leaves are oval to oblong, 2.5-9 cm long and 1-3.5 cm wide, glossy green, hairless, with a pale midrib and a short petiole 1-1.8 cm long; they are arranged in opposite pairs.
Flowers:
Flowers range from white with a yellow or red center to dark pink with a darker red center, with a basal tube 2.5-3 cm long and a corolla 2-51 cm diameter with five petal-like lobes.2
Flowering Season:
Flowers throughout the year in tropical conditions, and from spring to late autumn in warm temperate climates.
Fruits:
A pair of follicles 2-4 cm long and 3 mm wide.
Seeds:
Numerous, small, and light.
Soil Type:
Adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including poor, dry, and compacted soils.
Aspect:
Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Edibility:
All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Toxicity:
Contains alkaloids that are toxic if ingested.
Uses:
Primarily cultivated as an ornamental plant for its showy flowers.
Source of the drugs vincristine and vinblastine, used to treat cancer.
Problem Provinces:
Widespread throughout South Africa, particularly in coastal regions, along roadsides, and in disturbed areas.
Note: Catharanthus roseus is a highly invasive species in South Africa. It forms dense mats that displace native vegetation, reducing biodiversity and impacting ecosystem function. Control measures are often necessary to manage infestations.
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Common name
Scientific Name
Plant type:
Shrub
Plant family:
Apocynaceae (Greek plant name) - Order: Gentianales