What is Madagascar Periwinkle?

Madagascar Periwinkle, scientifically known as Catharantus roseus , is a permanent species of plants belonging to the Apocynaceae family. This species is originally from Madagascar and India, but is widely distributed in many tropical areas. It can tolerate drought when it is already introduced and prefers a full sun or partial shadow. Madagascar Periwinkle, commonly grown as a garden plant, is also known under other names such as old maid, Cayenne Jasmine and Rose Periwinkle. Sometimes there is confusion about the official name of the species because it was once referred to as Vinca Rosea .

Flowers of this kind have five petals and their colors differ between pink, red and white. Its leaves are arranged against each other on slightly solid stems and measure about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) in length. As an annual plant, Madagascar periwinkle can grow up to 3 feet (about 0.9 m) in height and almost the same in width.

This tropical plant commonly found in gardens due to its distinctiveappearance. Thanks to the long flowering period and dark shiny leaves, Madagascar Periwinkle is often considered to be an excellent plant on ground coverage. The leaves tend to turn under the heat, but once dew falls, they develop rapidly or to drop the temperature. Numerous cultivars are grown for their wide variance in flowers and cold tolerance. One example is mint cooler, which is more tolerant of cold than the original plant and the sprouts of white flowers with red center.

Periwinkle promotion in Madagascar is usually performed by sowing its seeds, but it can also be planted by planting cuttings taken from the ripe plant. In free soil, seeds can easily grow and can become invasive if they are not maintained by pulling undesirable seedlings. Transplantation is relatively easy and best done in the early evening, because the coooteplot ler prevents the seedlings of the seedlings.

Madagascar Periwinkle caught the attention of the pharmaceutical industry because Vinblastin and Vinkristin alkaloidY of its sap are some scientists to be an effective cure for lymphoma and leukemia. These two alkaloids were discovered as active anti -cancer substances and significant for chemotherapy. For hundreds of years, extracts from this plant have been used in herbal drugs to treat diabetes, lower blood pressure and effect as soothing. However, excerpts have been found to cause side effects such as hair loss. It is also toxic to livestock, especially if it is used in large quantities.