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The Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus, formerly Vinca rosea) also known as Vinca, Common Periwinkle or Old Maid is a herbaceous perennial plant once endemic to the island of Madagascar. The plant has since been widely cultivated and introduced, becoming an invasive species in some areas.

The name Catharanthus derives from the Greek meaning "immaculate flower". Madagascar Periwinkle should not be confused with other periwinkles of the genus Vinca .

The plant has garnered interest from the pharmaceutical industry; alkaloids (namely vincristineVincristine (Oncovin®) is an alkaloid from the Madagascar Periwinkle Catharanthus roseus formerly Vinca Rosea and hence its name). It is used in chemotherapy. Mode of action Vincristine acts by binding to tubulin, the main protein of the cytoskeleton. and vinblastine ) from the Madagascar Periwinkle's sap have been shown to be an effective treatment for leukemiaLeukemia leukaemia in international English) is a group of cancers of the blood-forming tissues. The word leukemia tends to be used as an umbrella term. In the 19th century, it was seen as one single, homogenous deadly disease, characterized by a white ap. Although the sap is poisonous if ingested, some 70 useful alkaloids have been identified from it. Extracts have been used for hundreds of years in the treatment of diabetes, as hemostatic s and tranquilizers, to lower blood pressureBlood pressure or arterial blood pressure is the pressure (force per unit area) exerted by the blood on the walls of the blood vessels. Unless indicated otherwise, blood pressure refers to the pressure in the large arteries, such as the brachial artery (i, and as disinfectantDisinfectants are chemical substances used to kill viruses and microbes (germs), such as bacteria and fungi. The ideal disinfectant would offer complete sterilization, without harming other forms of life, be inexpensive, and non-corrosive. Unfortunately is. 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 amongst gardeners. 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 centimetres (12 inches). Madagascar Periwinkle have simple, opposite leaves; a rich glossy green, they are ovate to oblong and up to 5 centimetres (2 inches) long. The plant is noted for its long blooming period, from spring to the first frost in temperate climates; in tropical conditions, blooming may be continuous. The 2.5-5 centimetre (1-2 inch) flowers are salverform (like those of phloxPhlox Scientific classification Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Solanales Family: Polemoniaceae Genus: Phlox Species (various) Binomial name Creeping phlox: Phlox stolonifera Woodland phlox: Phlox divaricata Moss phlox), simple, always single and usually pink, red or white, sometimes with "eyes" of contrasting colour at their centres. Mauve, peach, scarlet and reddish orange 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.

See also: List of garden plants