| Description | Madagascar Periwinkle Pacifica series. (catharanthus) |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Annuals, Perennial Tender |
| Hardiness Zone | 10-11 |
| Sunlight | full |
| Moisture | average to slightly dry |
| Soil & Site | average not soggy |
| Temperature | a tender annual, doesn't like cold weather or frost |
| Flowers | tubular flowers have five flattened petal-like lobes |
| Leaves | lance-shaped leaves, glossy green |
| Propagation | Sometimes but not always can be a difficult plant to grow from seed. Young plants are not tolerable of wetness or cool conditions. Can be rooted from cutting |
| Native Site | Native to Madagascar |
| Misc Facts | In the 18th century it first appeared in France at Paris Jardin des Plaines. At this time Madagascar was a French possession. (syn Vinca rosea) |
| Author's Notes | When attending an Environmental Workshop with a group of students, the keynote speaker was talking about how from native plants chemicals were discovered that are used in treatment of many different diseases. If the plant species is lost the potential to discover these chemicals will be lost. He alluded to the fact that he had Leukemia and was cured because of the chemical vincristine. Vincristine is extracted from Madagascar periwinkle. |
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