DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY
MEDICINAL PLANTS
Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don
Common Name: Madagascar periwinkle
Family: Apocynaceae
Vernacular Names: Sadabahar – Hindi., Kasarali – Tamil., Shavam Naari – Malayalam., Nithyapushp – Kannada
Synonyms: Vinca rosea L., Perivinca rosea (L.) Gaterau., Lochnera rosea (L.) Rchb. Ex Spach., Ammocallis rosea (L.) Small.
Plant Description: C roseus is an evergreen subshrub or herbaceous plant growing 1 m tall. Leaves are oval to oblong, 2.5 – 9 cm long and 1 – 3 cm wide, glossy, green with a pale midrib and a short petiole. Flowers range from white with a yellow oe red center to dark pink with a darker red center with a basal tube. Fruit is a pair of follicles 2 -4 cm long and 3 mm wide.
Distribution and Habitat: C. roseus is native to Madagascar and is now found in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
Uses:
Traditional: In Ayurveda, the extract of its roots and shoots, although poisonous are used against numerous diseases, including diabetes, malaria and lymphoma.
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