Seek medical attention if exposure results in symptoms.
Description
Small garden perennial growing up to 100cm.
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.
The leaves are opposite, shiny and bright green with a white midrib, 4-6cm long and 2-3cm wide.
Toxicity
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.
Images
Details
Common name: Periwinkle (pink or white)
Botanical name: 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.
Last updated: July 2023