catharanthus
Catharanthus is a genus of flowering plants in the Apocynaceae family. The best-known species is Catharanthus roseus, commonly called Madagascar periwinkle. It is native to Madagascar but widely cultivated and naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant is a herbaceous perennial or annual, depending on climate, with opposite, glossy green leaves and a branching habit. Flowers have five petals arranged in a tube, often with a contrasting eye, and occur in colors ranging white, pink, and purple.
In cultivation, Catharanthus roseus is grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and containers. It tolerates
Pharmacology and uses: The plant contains several alkaloids, including vincristine and vinblastine, which are used as
Toxicity: All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested and can cause symptoms such as nausea,
Taxonomy: Catharanthus is a genus in the Apocynaceae family. It was previously included in the Vinca genus;