Uses of the Madagascar Periwinkle

Despite its name, the Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus madagascariensis) is believed to be native to Central America, specifically the Caribbean. A widely used garden plant, the Madagascar periwinkle is especially useful as covering plant by growing them in large numbers around other plants, particularly those with larger flowers.

Madagascar periwinkle, Rosy periwinkle, Catharantus roseus
Periwinkle flowers

However, it is in medicine that the Madagascar periwinkle as been proven highly beneficial.  In many tropical countries including those in Africa, Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, this plant is utilized in traditional medicine to cure various ailments like heart condition, diabetes, indigestion and toothache. More importantly, modern medicine has been using the alkaloids extracted from the Madagascar periwinkle to treat certain types of cancer. It is so effective to the extent that the chance of surviving some form of cancer such as pediatric leukemia has increased dramatically.

The Madagascar periwinkle is a shrubby plant, which can grow up to 0.5 m in height. Aside from its flower, the dark green, oppositely arranged leaves characterizes this plant. The five-petalled flowers are held at the end of the branch, reaching 5 cm in diameter. The Madagascar periwinkle generally needs a large amount of sunlight and well-drained soil, but it is a hardy plant and can survive well in harsh environment such as beaches as well as places that frequently experience water shortage.

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