Catharanthus lanceus

Catharanthus lanceus, the lance-leaf periwinkle, grows as a perennial herb up to 1 m 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 - 2000 m 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.