Catharanthus (Noun)
Meaning
Small genus of erect annual or perennial herbs native to Madagascar; widely naturalized in the tropics; formerly included in genus Vinca.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- Catharanthus roseus, commonly known as the Madagascar periwinkle, is a flowering plant native to the island of Madagascar.
- The Catharanthus genus includes only eight species of flowering plants, but they are widely cultivated and naturalized in tropical regions.
- Researchers have isolated several alkaloids from Catharanthus plants, which have shown potential in the treatment of certain types of cancer.
- Catharanthus trichophyllus is a lesser-known species within the genus, but it is still prized by botanists for its unique foliage and flowers.
- In some parts of the world, Catharanthus plants are considered invasive species due to their ability to outcompete native vegetation.