Catharanthus roseus (previously known as Vinca rosea)
Other common names
Madagascar periwinkle; Vinca
Family
Apocynaceae
General description
Small garden perennial growing up to 100cm.
Flowers
The flowers are about 3cm across with a slender tube that expands into 5 broad rounded petals. The most common form is bright pink with a slightly darker centre. There is also a white variety.
Leaves
The leaves are opposite, shiny and bright green with a white midrib, 4-6cm long and 2-3cm wide.
Fruit/Berries
The fruit is a cylindrical pod 2-3cm long which contains numerous small black seeds.
Other
Milky sap.
Symptoms
All parts of the plant are toxic but symptoms are unlikely from small ingestions. Symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting, nerve damage, headache and hallucinations.
Toxicity category
2
Warning
Seek medical attention if exposure results in symptoms.
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