Did you know that
Periwinkles make up the genus Vinca, of the family Apocynaceae? The lesser periwinkle is classified as Vinca minor and
the greater periwinkle as Vinca major. Periwinkle (plant), is the common name for herbs in a
genus of the dogbane family. The leaves are opposite and evergreen. The
flowers grow singly or in pairs from the axils of the leaves. The
lesser periwinkle is a native of many parts of Europe, growing in
woods and thickets. The greater periwinkle, which has much larger
flowers and ovatocordate, or egg-shaped, leaves, is a native of southern
Europe. Periwinkles are the source of alkaloids that are often
used to treat cancer.
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