Madagascar periwinkle

plant

Also known as: Catharanthus roseus, Vinca rosea

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

The Madagascar periwinkle, also known as the rosy periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), is a subshrub native to the Old World tropics. This plant is significant as the source of several antineoplastic drugs, which are used in cancer treatment. The name "periwinkle" may originate from the Russian word for flower, possibly due to its early spring blooming. While the term "periwinkle" can refer to plants in the genus Vinca, the Madagascar periwinkle specifically refers to Catharanthus roseus.12

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malformation
Alteration of floral parts
In the Madagascar periwinkle (Vinca rosea), however, viruses of this type bring about a green colouring in the petals, stamens, and styles; normally the petals are pink and the stamens and styles whitish. There is in this instance a retrograde development of floral parts into foliage leaves.…
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In the Madagascar periwinkle (Vinca rosea), however, viruses of this type bring about a green colouring in the petals, stamens, and styles; normally the petals are pink and the stamens and styles whitish. There is in this instance a retrograde development of floral parts into foliage leaves.…
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angiosperm
Significance to humans
Madagascar periwinkle, Catharanthus roseus; Apocynaceae), and of heart problems (digitalis from foxglove, Digitalis purpurea; Plantaginaceae). Muscle relaxants derived from curare (Strychnos toxifera; Loganiaceae) are
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Madagascar periwinkle, Catharanthus roseus; Apocynaceae), and of heart problems (digitalis from foxglove, Digitalis purpurea; Plantaginaceae). Muscle relaxants derived from curare (Strychnos toxifera; Loganiaceae) are
Read More