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Catharanthus lanceus

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Catharanthus lanceus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Catharanthus
Species:
C. lanceus
Binomial name
Catharanthus lanceus
Synonyms[1]
  • Lochnera lancea (Bojer ex A.DC.) K.Schum
  • Vinca lancea Bojer ex A.DC.

Catharanthus lanceus, the lance-leaf periwinkle, grows as a perennial herb up to 1 metre (3 ft) tall. Its fragrant flowers feature white or cream corolla lobes turning pink, reddish-violet or pink-magenta. Its habitat is on volcanic or burned soil, hillside rocks and in open woodland on ridges. Catharanthus lanceus is found from 750–2,000 metres (2,500–6,600 ft) altitude. The plant is used in local medicinal treatments for toothache, fever and skin diseases, and also as a diuretic. The species is endemic to Madagascar.[2]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Catharanthus lanceus". World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (WCSP). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 3 August 2017.
  2. ^ Medicinal Plants. PROTA. 2008. pp. 152–153. ISBN 978-9-05782-204-9.