Periwinkle Flowers In The Species Catharanthus Roseus

Periwinkle flowers are derived from two genera in the apocynaceae family – the vinca, better known as the common periwinkle, and catharanthus, often called the Madagascar periwinkle. They are both relatively small species – the Madagascar variety numbering around eight, while the vinca hosts a meager five species to its name – and are strikingly similar in many ways. For instance, both have petite, five-petaled blossoms; long growing stems which can range between 3 to 30 inches above ground; and both types have glossy, bright green foliage. The Madagascar periwinkle is native to areas of southern Asia, while vinca is indigenous to Europe, Asia and Africa. The hues of these flowers can range from white and violet, to rose, pink and red.

Both the vinca and Madagascar periwinkle flowers have become major players in the world of herbal medicine. In fact, the pharmaceutical industry has taken a great interest in the species catharanthus roseus, which has shown to have a promising effect as a treatment for both lymphoma and leukemia. Despite the modern research that has begun, this genus of periwinkle has been in use for several hundred years as a disinfectant and tranquilizer, as well as to stop blood loss and treat diabetes.

Vinca, on the other hand, has been known to treat high blood pressure, female reproductive issues, as well as mouth ulcerations and sore throats. Despite the fact that both plants have made their way into a number of pharmaceutical brands – as well as becoming a major part of folk medicine – these blooms are considered to be quite toxic if taken in large doses. Periwinkle flowers also have their place in both myth and history alike. The English botanist and herbalist Nicholas Culpeper considered these plants to be something of an aphrodisiac when shared amongst lovers, as he concluded that the goddess of love, Venus, grew and kept these plants. On a more sinister note, during the Middle Ages, flowing garlands were made of a dwarf species of periwinkle, which were then placed upon the heads of criminals who were being prepared for execution.

Periwinkle flowers have a wide variety of meanings. One of its earliest symbols is of immortality; however, in more modern times these blossoms generally represent new friendship, fidelity in long time relationships, and spiritual harmony. As a gift, these flowers are almost invariably traded between lovers and married couples, but they are also sometimes presented to friends and family members, so as to show these people that they are loved.

A plant native to central and southern Europe, from Portugal and France north to the Netherlands and the Baltic States, and east to the Caucasus, and also in southwestern Asia in Turkey.

It is a trailing subshrub, spreading along the ground and rooting along the stems to form large clonal colonies and occasionally scrambling up to 40 cm high but never twining or climbing. The leaves are evergreen, opposite, 2-4.5 cm long and 1-2.5 cm broad, glossy dark green with a leathery texture and an entire margin. The flowers are solitary in the leaf axils and are produced mainly from early spring to mid summer but with a few flowers still produced into the autumn; they are violet-purple (pale purple or white in some cultivated selections), 2-3 cm diameter, with a five-lobed corolla. The fruit is a pair of follicles 2.5 cm long, containing numerous seeds.

The closely related species Vinca major is similar but larger in all parts, and with relatively broader leaves with a hairy margin. The closely related species Vinca minor is similar but smaller, with narrower, hairless leaves.

The species is commonly grown as a groundcover in temperate gardens for its evergreen foliage, spring and summer flowers, ease of culture, and dense habit that smothers most weeds. The species has few pests or diseases outside it native range and is widely naturalised and classified as an invasive species in parts of North America. There are numerous cultivars, with different flower colours and variegated foliage, including 'Argenteovariegata' (white leaf edges), 'Aureovariegata' (yellow leaf edges), 'Gertrude Jekyll' (white flowers), and 'Plena' (double flowers).

Other vernacular names used in cultivation include Small Periwinkle, Common Periwinkle, and sometimes in the United States, Myrtle or Creeping Myrtle (as a result of confusion with the unrelated myrtles).

Ethnomedically, the dried leaves, aerial parts, and in some cases the entire plant of Vinca, are used to enhance blood circulation, including that of the brain, enhance metabolism in the brain, and to treat cardiovascular disorders. Vincamine is the pharmaceutical molecule responsible for Vinca's nootropic activity.