Catharanthus lanceus
Catharanthus lanceus (Bojer ex A.DC.) Pichon
Catharanthus lanceus, known as the lance-leaf periwinkle, is a perennial herb reaching up to 1 metre in height. It produces fragrant flowers with white or cream corolla lobes that may shift to pink, reddish-violet, or pink-magenta. This species is endemic to Madagascar and is found in habitats such as volcanic or burned soil, hillside rocks, and open woodland on ridges, typically between 750–2,000 metres in altitude. Locally, the plant is used in traditional medicine for treating toothache, fever, skin diseases, and as a diuretic.
Description
Catharanthus lanceus (Bojer ex A.DC.) Pichon is a member of the Apocynaceae family and is native to Madagascar. It is a perennial herb that can grow up to 1 metre tall. The plant's flowers are notable for their fragrance and color variation, with corolla lobes that start as white or cream and may change to pink, reddish-violet, or pink-magenta. It thrives in specific ecological conditions, including volcanic or burned soil, hillside rocks, and open woodland on ridges, typically at elevations between 750–2,000 metres. The species is used in local medicinal practices for treating toothache, fever, and skin diseases, as well as for its diuretic properties.
Distribution
KM · Madagascar
Synonyms
Lochnera lanceaVinca lanceaTachiadenus parviflorus
