Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don
Vernacular name: Madagascar periwinkle, Sadabahar (Hindi: सदाबहार)
Species Name: Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don
Family: Apocynaceae
Habit: Evergreen subshrub
Stem: Erect or sprawling, branched 30-90 cm, glabrous to pubescent.
Leaf: Opposite, elliptic-obovate 3-7×1.5-3.5 cm, petiolate, glossy green.
Flowering: Year-round
Flowers: Bracteate axillary solitary; 5 pink/white/purple petals (salverform 2-3 cm, pinwheel), 5 stamens (anthers connivent), superior ovary (2-carpellate).
Fruit: Pair of divergent follicles 2-4 cm, numerous black seeds.
Uses:
- Leaves and roots contain vincristine (stop cell divisions) and vinblastine used in chemotherapy for leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease and lymphoma.
- Whole plant serves as antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and antimicrobial remedy traditionally.
- In folk remedies, extracts from plants are used to mange blood pressure, asthma and stomach aches.
- Plant is widely cultivated as ornamental plant for its always blooming vibrant flowers and drought tolerance.
- Folk cancer cure led to alkaloid discovery; “graveyard plant” in India; eternal bloomer symbol.
