The Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), also known as rosy periwinkle, is a flowering plant prized for both its ornamental beauty and medicinal properties.

🌿 Botanical Description

Scientific Name: Catharanthus roseus

Family: Apocynaceae (dogbane family)

Common Names: Madagascar periwinkle, rosy periwinkle, vinca, old maid

🌱 Plant Characteristics

Type: Evergreen herb or subshrub

Height: 30–100 cm (1–3.3 feet)

Stem: Erect or spreading; green to reddish in color

Leaves:

Opposite arrangement

Glossy, dark green, oblong to oval

2.5–9 cm long

Prominent central vein

🌸 Flowers

Color: White, pink, rose, or mauve with a contrasting "eye" in the center

Shape: Five petals, symmetrical, star-like

Size: About 2.5–5 cm in diameter

Blooming Season: Year-round in tropical climates; summer in temperate areas

🌾 Fruits & Seeds

Fruit: A pair of cylindrical follicles containing numerous tiny seeds

Seed Dispersal: Naturally by wind or self-sowing

🌍 Habitat & Cultivation

Native to: Madagascar

Grows in: Tropical and subtropical regions around the world

Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade

Watering: Drought-tolerant; prefers moderate watering

⚕️ Medicinal Importance

Contains alkaloids like vincristine and vinblastine

Used in chemotherapy drugs to treat leukemia and other cancers

Traditional uses include remedies for diabetes, hypertension, and infections

⚠️ Toxicity

All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested in large quantities

Keep away from pets and small children