Wonderful Colour Madagascar Periwinkle Flower

The Madagascar Periwinkle is a small yet remarkable plant that holds a special place in both ornamental gardening and medicinal science. Belonging to the family Apocynaceae, this evergreen, perennial herb is native to Madagascar but has spread across tropical and subtropical regions around the world due to its adaptability and usefulness. Known for its simple beauty and powerful medicinal properties, it has earned names like rosy periwinkle, old maid, and Cape periwinkle.
Appearance and Growth
The Madagascar periwinkle is a hardy plant that typically grows 30–100 cm tall. It has smooth, glossy, oval-shaped leaves that are arranged in opposite pairs along slender stems. The leaves are dark green with a lighter midrib, giving them a distinctive appearance.
The plant’s most eye-catching feature is its flowers. Each bloom has five petals fused into a star-like or pinwheel shape, usually in shades of pink, white, or red, with some varieties showing a darker or lighter central eye. These flowers appear year-round in warm climates, making the plant a popular choice for gardens, borders, and hanging baskets. Because of its tolerance to heat, drought, and poor soils, the Madagascar periwinkle thrives even in challenging conditions where many other ornamental plants might fail.
Ornamental Value
In horticulture, Madagascar periwinkle is celebrated for its resilience and versatility. Gardeners use it as ground cover, bedding plants, or in containers to add a splash of color to landscapes. Its long flowering season and ability to withstand harsh sun make it a favorite in tropical gardens. New hybrid varieties have been developed to expand the color range and improve resistance to pests and diseases, further increasing its popularity.
Medicinal Significance
While it is beautiful in gardens, the Madagascar periwinkle is far more famous for its medicinal properties. For centuries, traditional medicine systems in India, Africa, and other regions used the plant to treat ailments like diabetes, sore throats, infections, and skin problems.