PERIWINKLE

Catharanthus roseus

Family: Apocynaceae

The scientific name catharanthus is derived from the Greek word katharos which means ‘pure’. And anthos which means ‘flower’. [Incidentally, my name Katharine also has the same Greek derivations meaning pure! - ed]

2 significant alkoloids or drugs known as vinblastine and vincristine are used in the treatment of Hodgkin’s disease and leukemia respectively. Hence the use of the periwinkle flower for MAKNA – the national cancer society of Malaysia.