How Do You Spell CATHARANTHUS?

Pronunciation: [kˈaθɐɹˌanθəs] (IPA)

The word "catharanthus" is spelled using a combination of Latin and Greek roots. The first syllable "cathar" is derived from the Greek word "katharos" meaning pure or clean. The second part "anthus" is from the Latin for flower, derived from the Greek word "anthos". In IPA phonetic transcription, "catharanthus" is spelled /kæθəˈrænθəs/, with the stress on the third syllable. The "th" sound in both "cathar" and "anthus" is pronounced as a voiceless dental fricative, represented as /θ/.

CATHARANTHUS Meaning and Definition

1. Catharanthus is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Apocynaceae. It consists of approximately eight species of perennial herbs or small shrubs native to the Old World tropics, particularly Madagascar. The plants are commonly known as periwinkle or Madagascar periwinkle.

   Catharanthus plants are characterized by their opposite leaves, which are glossy, elliptic, and up to several centimeters long. The flowers are usually solitary, with five overlapping petals that form a tubular shape. The colors of the petals range from white to pink or purple, with a dark center in some species. The fruit is a pair of follicles that split open to release the seeds.

   Catharanthus plants have significant importance in traditional medicine and modern pharmaceuticals. They contain various alkaloids, including vincristine and vinblastine, which are used in the treatment of cancer. These alkaloids have been found to possess cytotoxic properties and inhibit cell division. Additionally, Catharanthus extracts have been used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, and other ailments.

   In gardening and landscaping, Catharanthus is highly valued for its attractive flowers and ability to tolerate hot and dry conditions. It is often cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens, as well as in containers. The low-growing varieties make excellent ground covers and can be used to prevent soil erosion on slopes.

   Overall, Catharanthus represents a versatile genus of flowering plants with both medicinal and ornamental value.

Common Misspellings for CATHARANTHUS

• xatharanthus
• vatharanthus
• fatharanthus
• datharanthus
• cztharanthus
• cstharanthus
• cwtharanthus
• cqtharanthus
• carharanthus
• cafharanthus
• cagharanthus
• cayharanthus
• ca6haranthus
• ca5haranthus
• catgaranthus
• catbaranthus
• catnaranthus
• catjaranthus
• catuaranthus

Etymology of CATHARANTHUS

The word "catharanthus" has its origins in Greek. It is derived from the Greek words "katharos" meaning "clean" or "pure", and "anthos" meaning "flower". Therefore, "catharanthus" can be roughly translated to mean "pure flower" or "clean flower". This name likely reflects the white or light-colored flowers of the Catharanthus plant.

Similar spelling word for CATHARANTHUS

• cauterant.