Catharanthus roseus , Vinca rosea , Madagascar Periwinkle , Rose Periwinkle
Catharanthus roseus (earlier known as Vinca rosea) commonly known as the Madagascar Periwinkle or Rose Periwinkle is a hardy, perennial flowering shrub native to Madagascar.
Genus Catharanthus is from the Greek word "katharos" which means "pure (perfect) flower". Species roseus means "rose-like"
This plant is capable of growing in soils poor in nutrients and also survive drought like conditions. It is a preferred low maintenance ornamental plant for its long flowering season that lasts throughout the year.
The plant is grown both for its ornamental and medicinal value.
It is known to be used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine.
Bruised or cut stems secrete milky-white sap that is toxic.
The plant has many medicinal uses despite its toxicity. The plant if consumed as such, can be highly toxic, but the extracts from this plant are known to increase insulin production and control diabetes and hypertension. The extracts are also useful in treatment of menstrual disorders and asthma.
It also produces alkaloids vinblastine and vincristine that are used in preparing anti-cancer drugs to treat leukemia and Hogkins' Disease.
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