Definition

Noun: 1. A commonly cultivated Old World woody herb (Catharanthus roseus) known for its large, attractive pinkish to red flowers. It is also valued for its medicinal properties.

Usage

• This term is used specifically to refer to the flowering plant species . It is a formal or botanical name.
• Example: "The rose periwinkle in the garden is blooming beautifully this season."
• Example: "Several important anti-cancer compounds are derived from the rose periwinkle."

Advanced Usage

• The plant is also widely known by other common names, such as Madagascar periwinkle or simply periwinkle. In scientific and pharmacological contexts, the Latin binomial is always used.

Variants and Related Words

• Madagascar periwinkle (n): Another common name for the same plant, referring to its native region.
• Periwinkle (n): A more general common name, though it can also refer to a different, unrelated plant (). Context is key.
• Catharanthus roseus (n): The precise scientific (Latin) name for the species.

Synonyms

• Madagascar periwinkle
• Old maid (a regional common name)
• Cayenne jasmine (a regional common name)

Different Meanings

• Periwinkle (alone) can have two distinct botanical meanings:
  • The plant Catharanthus roseus (rose periwinkle).
  • The unrelated European trailing plant Vinca minor, which has blue or purple flowers.
• Periwinkle is also the name of a pale blue or bluish-purple color, and a type of small sea snail.

Noun

1. commonly cultivated Old World woody herb having large pinkish to red flowers