Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)

Family: Apocynaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Madagascar Periwinkle or Cataranthus roseus is an evergreen shrub of about 1 m tall and 1 m wide. It is a flowering plant native to Madagascar. The leaves are oval to oblong, broad, glossy, green, and arranged in opposite pairs. The flowers have five petal-like lobes and are white to dark pink with a darker red centre in colour. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant but it has long been used in traditional medicine.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

A tea is made from the leaves. — A tea is made from the leaves.

Habitat & North American Range

Africa - eastern and southern Madagascar. (Zone 9)