Large periwinkle, Greater Periwinkle
Vinca major

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A herb. It is a trailing plant. It grows 45 cm high and spreads 1.5-3 m wide. It keeps growing from year to year. It keeps its leaves. The stems are slender and leathery. The leaves are glossy and dark green. They can be patterned. The flowers are open and mauve or purple. They are wide and flat.

There are 7 Vinca species. It can be invasive.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in wet gullies. It is shade tolerant. It grows well in Mediterranean climates. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,500 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 7-11. Tasmania Herbarium. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Asia, Australia, Brazil, Central Asia, Chile, China, Europe (country/location of origin), France, Hawaii, India, Mediterranean, Pacific, Pakistan, Slovenia, Spain, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tasmania, Uruguay

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Seeds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Veliki zimzelen

Synonyms

Vinca grandiflora Salisb.; Vinca pubescens Urv.;