madagascar periwinkle
The Madagascar periwinkle blooms with bright pink flowers in the sunny garden.
Noun: 1. A commonly cultivated Old World woody herb having large pinkish to red flowers: This refers to a specific flowering plant species, Catharanthus roseus, native to Madagascar but widely grown in gardens and used in traditional medicine and pharmacology.
The term "Madagascar periwinkle" is used as a proper noun to identify this specific plant species. It is typically used in botanical, horticultural, and pharmacological contexts. - The Madagascar periwinkle is prized not only for its flowers but also for its medicinal properties. - She planted several Madagascar periwinkles along the garden path.
- In Pharmacology: The plant is a source of vinca alkaloids, which are used in chemotherapy drugs.
- Compounds derived from the Madagascar periwinkle are crucial in treating certain cancers.
- Rosy periwinkle: A common alternative name for the same plant.
- Catharanthus roseus: The scientific (Latin) name for the species.
- Periwinkle (general): This term can also refer to other plants, notably the European , or to a type of sea snail. Context is key to avoid confusion.
- Rosy periwinkle
- Cape periwinkle
- Old maid (regional name)
- (scientific name)
It is important to distinguish the "Madagascar periwinkle" from the more common "periwinkle" (Vinca minor), which is a different, low-growing evergreen plant with blue or white flowers. The Madagascar periwinkle is a tender perennial or annual in cooler climates, with prominent, five-petaled flowers.
The Madagascar periwinkle blooms with bright pink flowers in the sunny garden.
- commonly cultivated Old World woody herb having large pinkish to red flowers