Vinca

Vinca

Vinca (/'vɪŋkə/), also known as periwinkle, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Apocynaceae.

Etymology

The name "Vinca" is derived from the Latin word 'vincire' meaning 'to bind'. This is in reference to the plant's long, trailing stems that can bind and cover the ground.

Description

Vinca plants are evergreen subshrubs or herbaceous, with flowers that can be off-white, pink, or violet. The leaves are opposite, simple broad lanceolate to ovate, and have a leathery texture.

Species

There are five species in the Vinca genus, including Vinca major, Vinca minor, Vinca difformis, Vinca herbacea, and Vinca soneri.

Medicinal Uses

Vinca plants have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. They contain alkaloids such as vincamine, which is used in the pharmaceutical industry as a cerebral stimulant and vasodilator.

Related Terms

• Alkaloid
• Apocynaceae
• Herbaceous plant
• Vincamine
• Vinca major
• Vinca minor
• Vinca difformis
• Vinca herbacea
• Vinca soneri

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Vinca
• Wikipedia's article - Vinca

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