MADAGASCAR PERIWINKLE Meaning and
Definition
-
Madagascar periwinkle, known scientifically as Catharanthus roseus, is a flowering plant native to Madagascar and is widely cultivated across the world for its ornamental value and medicinal properties. It belongs to the dogbane family, Apocynaceae.
The Madagascar periwinkle is a small perennial herb that typically grows up to 1 meter in height. It is characterized by glossy, dark green leaves arranged oppositely along its stems. The flowers are star-shaped and can vary in color, ranging from white and pink to lilac and purple. They possess five petals and a central, prominent corona of a contrasting color, which adds to its aesthetic appeal.
Catharanthus roseus contains various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids such as vincristine and vinblastine, which are renowned for their anticancer properties. These alkaloids have been extensively studied and utilized in the treatment of leukemia and other cancers due to their ability to inhibit cell division. Additionally, extracts from the plant have shown potential in treating diabetes, hypertension, and certain microbial infections.
As a popular ornamental plant, it is often used in flower beds, borders, and containers due to its attractive flowers and low maintenance requirements. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. Madagascar periwinkle is also utilized as a medicinal plant in various traditional systems of medicine due to its diverse therapeutic properties.
Common Misspellings for MADAGASCAR PERIWINKLE
- nadagascar periwinkle
- kadagascar periwinkle
- jadagascar periwinkle
- mzdagascar periwinkle
- msdagascar periwinkle
- mwdagascar periwinkle
- mqdagascar periwinkle
- masagascar periwinkle
- maxagascar periwinkle
- macagascar periwinkle
- mafagascar periwinkle
- maragascar periwinkle
- maeagascar periwinkle
- madzgascar periwinkle
- madsgascar periwinkle
- madwgascar periwinkle
- madqgascar periwinkle
- madafascar periwinkle
- madavascar periwinkle
Etymology of MADAGASCAR PERIWINKLE
The etymology of the word "Madagascar Periwinkle" can be broken down as follows:
1. Madagascar: The term "Madagascar" refers to the island nation located off the southeast coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. This name derives from the Arabic term "Majar" or "Madja", meaning "an island".
2. Periwinkle: The word "periwinkle" has Old English origins and is derived from the term "pærwince", which was used to describe the periwinkle flower or any related plant. This word later evolved to "perwinkle" and eventually became "periwinke" during Middle English before settling as "periwinkle". It is worth noting that "periwinkle" can also refer to a marine gastropod mollusk of the family Littorinidae, but in this case, it refers to the flower.
