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GENERAL
Origin
:
sub-tropical,
tropical
Vigour
:
fast growing
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid, very
humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out,
cuttings, division
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
high
Salinity/ppm :
moderate (2500
ppm)
Hardiness
:
0°C
SHAPE
Type
:
perennial,
sub-shrub
Height
:
0.15 m-0.2 m
Spread
:
0.15 m-0.2 m
Foliage
:
deciduous
FLOWER
Colour
:
pink, white,
purple
Size
:
2.5 cm - 3.5 cm
Period
:
January -
December
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
capsule
Fruit size
:
3 cm
Toxicity
:
highly poisonous
Originating in Brazil and southeast Asia, the Madagascar Periwinkle, previously known under
the genera of Lochnera and Vinca, this small, erect, bushy perennial shrub has been a reliable
plant, seen in Arriyadh for many years. Available in a variety of colours from dark pink, to pink,
white or white with a red eye, the showy flowers are large, flat and star-shaped. The leaves are
oblong, deep glossy green with a centre vein, but the flowers are sometimes so numerous they
almost seem to cover them. Quite frost-tolerant, it is said that the pink-flowering form is hardier,
and self-sown plants revert to the pink anyway. Flowering throughout the year, they thrive in
full sun, have a medium tolerance to salinity and are also fairly drought-tolerant. The plant is
poisonous. Propagated by seed and cuttings, plants tend to become straggly and can be pruned
back to the lowest leaf for rejuvenation. However, replanting every few years is recommended,
since the flowering is best on younger plants. Prone to attack by white fly and other aphids, it also
tends to become cholorotic. For a time, it seemed to be Arriyadh’s only flowering groundcover,
since it was so common everywhere. C. roseus is, nevertheless a good groundcover, when planted
appropriately – the white form with the red eye can look very attractive in a ‘white garden’ in
twilight – without the need for massive numbers. It is also useful as a pot plant.
91
Catharanthus roseus,
Apocynaceae
Madagascar Periwinkle,
ain al bazzun