Are Catharanthus annuals or perennials?
In the genus Cataranthus are eight species of annuals and perennials from Madagascar with 5-petaled flowers that resemble periwinkles. Vinca are popular summer bedding plants, and they can also be used in containers, in a cool greenhouse, or as houseplants.
Is vinca Catharanthus roseus a perennial?
Catharanthus roseus, commonly called periwinkle, Madagascar periwinkle or annual vinca, is an erect to spreading tender perennial in the dogbane family typically mounding 6-18” (less frequently to 24”) tall and as wide.
What is Catharanthus roseus used for?
Uses. In traditional medicine, the periwinkle has been used for relieving muscle pain, depression of the central nervous system, also used for applying to wasp stings and to heal wounds. Its application ranges widely from the prevention of diabetes to treatment of stomach ache (Gajalakshmi et al., 2013).
Do Catharanthus roseus come back every year?
You are planting Catharanthus roseus, also known as Madagascar periwinkle, the annual vinca. Technically, it is a tender perennial in Zones 10 and 11, and outside of these is treated as an annual. A few years back, the seed companies began making some major improvements in C. roseus.
What is the difference between Catharanthus roseus and Vinca rosea?
Catharanthus roseus, known formerly as Vinca rosea, is a main source of vinca alkaloids, now sometimes called catharanthus alkaloids. The plant produces about 130 of these compounds, including vinblastine and vincristine, two drugs used to treat cancer. It is also known as Sadabahar or Baramasi in India.
Is Catharanthus roseus invasive?
It is self-compatible, and has spread from cultivation to become naturalized in many parts of the world. Some therefore consider the plant to be an invasive weed. Catharanthus roseus is invasive in parts of Kenya (BioNET-EAFRINET Invasive Plants Keys and Fact Sheets).
How far apart do you plant Vinca?
Space lesser periwinkle plants 6 to 12 inches apart on slopes or steep banks to eliminate erosion and the need for dangerous mowing. The plants will completely cover the area in one year when planted 6 inches apart. When planted 12 inches apart, the area should be covered by the end of the second year.
How long do Vinca plants last?
minor, V. major, or any variety with the botanical name Vinca, green leaves will remain on the plant year-round. Both types are members of the dogbane family, Apocynaceae, but they thrive in quite different conditions. Catharanthus prefers a sunny, hot environment and blooms all summer until frost.
Which part of catharanthus is used?
All parts of the plant including leaf, root, shoot and stem contains more than 200 alkaloids, which are used for therapeutic purposes against several diseases. The most important alkaloids vinblastine and vincristine are derived from leaves and they exhibits anti-cancer and anti-diabetic property.
Where does catharanthus Roseus grow?
Madagascar
Catharanthus roseus, more commonly known as the Periwinkle of Madagascar, is a native species to the Indian Ocean island of Madagascar. Madagascar is located off the east coast of Southern Africa. The Periwinkle is a perennial plant that is very prevalent in areas that are tropical to sub-tropical.
How do you grow Catharanthus?
They prefer to grow in moist soils with a pH of 6 to 7, in partially shaded or sunny areas of the garden. If you plan to grow Catharanthus indoors then they should be germinated in the dark with a temperature of 21 to 24 degrees Celsius (70 to 75°F); this takes from two to three weeks.
How do you plant catharanthus Roseus?
You can also propagate Catharanthus roseus plants through seeds. It’s best to sow them in late winter or early spring. Plant the seeds in a moistened rooting mixture, cover the container with a plastic bag and place it in a location with bright, filtered light.
What are the names of Catharanthus roseus?
Some of the latin names for Vinca plants and similar include catharanthus roseus, vinca difformis, v. major variegata, v. minor alba and v. minor periwinkle. Vinca flower from the Summer on to the first frost of late autumn. Common Names: Vinca Rose, Annual Vinca, Sadapphuli, Madagascar Periwinkle, Rose Periwinkle.
How tall does a Catharanthus vinca plant get?
Life Cycle: Hardy perennial usually grown as a hardy annual by gardeners. Height: 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm). Native: Madagascar, India. Growing Region: Annual: zones 1 to 10. As a perennial in zones 9 and 10. Flowers: Summer and autumn. Flower Details: Pink, purple, white. Scented. Flat. Foliage: Green. Glossy. Sow Outdoors: 1/4 inch (6mm).
What kind of soil do you need for Catharanthus?
They prefer to grow in moist soils with a pH of 6 to 7, in partially shaded or sunny areas of the garden. If you plan to grow Catharanthus indoors then they should be germinated in the dark with a temperature of 21 to 24 degrees Celsius (70 to 75°F); this takes from two to three weeks.
When to plant Catharanthus roseus in St.Louis?
In the St. Louis area, it is best grown as an annual bedding plant in well-drained sandy loams in full sun to part shade. Needs regular moisture, but avoid overhead watering. Superior soil drainage is the key to growing this annual well. Start seeds indoors 12-16 weeks before last frost date.