Catharanthus: Difference between revisions

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Template:Taxobox begin Template:Taxobox image Template:Taxobox begin placement Template:Taxobox regnum entry Template:Taxobox divisio entry Template:Taxobox classis entry Template:Taxobox ordo entry Template:Taxobox familia entry Template:Taxobox genus entry Template:Taxobox end placement Template:Taxobox section subdivision Catharanthus coriaceus
Catharanthus lanceus
Catharanthus longifolius
Catharanthus ovalis
Catharanthus pusillus
Catharanthus roseus
Catharanthus scitulus
Catharanthus trichophyllus Template:Taxobox end

Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus) is a genus of eight species of herbaceous perennial plants, seven endemic to the island of Madagascar, the eighth, C. pusillus, from Sri Lanka. They were formerly included in the related genus Vinca. One species, C. roseus, has been widely cultivated and introduced, becoming an invasive species in some areas. The name Catharanthus derives from the Greek meaning "pure flower".

The leaves are simple, opposite, rich glossy green, ovate to oblong and up to 5 cm long. The 2.5-5 cm broad flowers are salverform (like those of phlox), simple, with five usually pink, red or white petals, sometimes with "eyes" of contrasting colour at their centres.

Uses and cultivation

C. roseus has gained interest from the pharmaceutical industry; the alkaloids vincristine and vinblastine from its sap have been shown to be an effective treatment for leukaemia. Although the sap is poisonous if ingested, some 70 useful alkaloids have been identified from it. In Madagascar, extracts have been used for hundreds of years in herbal medicine for the treatment of diabetes, as hemostatics and tranquilizers, to lower blood pressure, and as disinfectants. The extracts are not without their side effects, however, which include hair loss.

Appreciated for its hardiness in dry and nutritionally deficient conditions, Catharanthus is an undemanding plant popular in subtropical gardens where temperatures never fall below 5°C. It is noted for its long flowering period, throughout the year in tropical conditions, and from spring to late autumn in warm temperate climates. Full sun and well-drained soil are preferred, the plants being sensitive to excessive moisture (which may cause fungus or leaf blight to develop). Growth is moderate to slow, but a lack of natural predators ensures it is unimpeded. Early cultivars were low and creeping; modern cultivars may reach a height and spread of 30 cm. Mauve, peach, scarlet and reddish-orange flowered cultivars have also been developed.

Madagascar Periwinkles are self-propagating from seed; the seeds require a period of total darkness to germinate. Cuttings from mature plants will also root readily.

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 ===Uses and cultivation===
 [[Image:madagascar periwinkle.jpg|left|thumb|Illustration of foliage and flowers]]
-''C. roseus'' has gained interest from the [[pharmaceutical]] industry; the [[alkaloid]]s [[vincristine]] and [[vinblastine]]) from its sap have been shown to be an effective treatment for [[leukaemia]]. Although the sap is poisonous if ingested, some 70 useful alkaloids have been identified from it. In Madagascar, extracts have been used for hundreds of years in [[herbalism|herbal medicine]] for the treatment of [[diabetes]], as [[hemostatic]]s and [[tranquilizer]]s, to lower [[blood pressure]], and as [[disinfectant]]s. The extracts are not without their side effects, however, which include [[hair loss]].
+''C. roseus'' has gained interest from the [[pharmaceutical]] industry; the [[alkaloid]]s [[vincristine]] and [[vinblastine]] from its sap have been shown to be an effective treatment for [[leukaemia]]. Although the sap is poisonous if ingested, some 70 useful alkaloids have been identified from it. In Madagascar, extracts have been used for hundreds of years in [[herbalism|herbal medicine]] for the treatment of [[diabetes]], as [[hemostatic]]s and [[tranquilizer]]s, to lower [[blood pressure]], and as [[disinfectant]]s. The extracts are not without their side effects, however, which include [[hair loss]].
 Appreciated for its hardiness in dry and nutritionally deficient conditions, ''Catharanthus'' is an undemanding plant popular in subtropical [[garden]]s where temperatures never fall below 5°C. It is noted for its long flowering period, throughout the year in tropical conditions, and from spring to late autumn in warm temperate climates. Full sun and well-drained soil are preferred, the plants being sensitive to excessive moisture (which may cause fungus or leaf blight to develop). Growth is moderate to slow, but a lack of natural predators ensures it is unimpeded. Early [[cultivar]]s were low and creeping; modern cultivars may reach a height and spread of 30 cm. Mauve, peach, scarlet and reddish-orange flowered cultivars have also been developed.

Revision as of 19:20, 24 February 2005

Uses and cultivation

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