Catharantus roseus, Vinca rosea
Family: Apocynaceae
Madagascar Periwinkle, Vinca
Origin: Madagascar
As many other plants of the dogbane family, the Vincas are poisonous, although mildly. There are also 2 drugs extracted from it: vinblastine (used in the treatment of Hodgkins’ disease) and vincristine (used in the treatment of leukemia). They need warmth, and limited water and fertilizer to bloom abundantly.
