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Description
Catharanthus Roseus, also known as Madagascar periwinkle, is a beautiful and popular flowering plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. It is native to Madagascar and is widely cultivated all over the world for its ornamental value and medicinal properties. The plant can grow up to 1 meter tall and has glossy green leaves that are arranged opposite each other. The flowers of Catharanthus Roseus come in a range of colors, including pink, white, red, and purple, and have a characteristic shape with five petals.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Catharanthus |
Appearance
Catharanthus Roseus is a bushy plant that can grow up to 1 meter tall and 1 meter wide. Its leaves are oblong and glossy green, measuring 2-9 cm in length and 1-3 cm in width. The flowers of Catharanthus Roseus are showy and come in a range of colors, including pink, white, red, and purple. They have a characteristic shape with five petals, each measuring 2-3 cm in length. The flowers bloom from spring through fall and are followed by small, round seed pods.
Care Guide
Catharanthus Roseus requires specific care to thrive and produce beautiful flowers. Here are some care tips:Water: Keep the soil of your Catharanthus Roseus plant moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter.Fertilization: Feed your Catharanthus Roseus plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and flowering.Soil: Plant Catharanthus Roseus in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil pH of 6.0-7.5 is ideal.Sunlight: Catharanthus Roseus requires full sun to grow and flower properly. It can tolerate some shade, but the flowers will be less abundant.Hardiness Zones: Catharanthus Roseus is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. It can be grown as an annual in colder regions.
Common Pests & Diseases
Catharanthus Roseus is prone to some pests and diseases that can affect its growth and flowering. Here are some common problems to look out for:Pests: Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies can infest Catharanthus Roseus plants and cause damage to the leaves and flowers. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control these pests.Diseases: Leaf spot, stem rot, and powdery mildew are common diseases that can affect Catharanthus Roseus. Avoid overwatering the plant and provide good air circulation to prevent these diseases.
Habitat
Catharanthus Roseus is native to Madagascar but is widely cultivated all over the world. It grows best in warm, tropical climates with full sun and well-draining soil. The plant is commonly used for ornamental purposes in gardens, parks, and landscapes.
Question and Answer
Q: What are the medicinal properties of Catharanthus Roseus?
A: Catharanthus Roseus contains alkaloids that are used to treat cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure.Q: How often should I fertilize my Catharanthus Roseus plant?
A: You should fertilize your Catharanthus Roseus plant every two weeks during the growing season.Q: Can I grow Catharanthus Roseus in a container?
A: Yes, Catharanthus Roseus can be grown in a container as long as it has adequate drainage and is fertilized regularly.Q: Is Catharanthus Roseus toxic to pets?
A: Yes, Catharanthus Roseus is toxic to pets and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms if ingested.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Catharanthus Roseus:
- Catharanthus Trichophyllus
- Catharanthus Ovalis
- Catharanthus Lanceus
- Catharanthus Scitulus
References
- Tropicos.org. Missouri Botanical Garden. 23 Jan 2022
- Encyclopedia of Life. Catharanthus roseus. 23 Jan 2022
- Gardenia.net. Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar Periwinkle). 23 Jan 2022
- RHS. Catharanthus roseus. 23 Jan 2022
