Madagascar periwinkle

noun

1. a plant, Catharanthus roseus (or Vinca rosea ), cultivated for its glossy foliage and pink or white flowers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Madagascar periwinkle¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

One example involves the Madagascar periwinkle, Catharanthus roseus, which has been used for centuries as a medicine in Africa and China.

From Nature

The Madagascar periwinkle has long been the main source of vinblastine, which is used as a chemotherapy for cancers including brain tumours.

From Nature

Add Madagascar periwinkle in front; then tuck in a lobelia on each side.

From Southern Living

We know the extracts from Madagascar periwinkle can treat diabetes because drug companies save time and money by using indigenous knowledge to narrow their search for medicines.

From Scientific American

P. Goltra for the National Tropical Botanical Garden, www.ntbg.org The Madagascar periwinkle is a source of cancer drugs.

From New York Times