Family: Dogbane (Apocynaceae)

DescriptionThis bushy, herbaceous perennial grows to 2 feet tall with opposite, elliptical, hairy leaves and a white midvein. Leaves range from 2-3 inches long and 1/2 to 1 inch wide. Showy 5 lobed flowers are in terminal clusters, each flower measuring 1 1/2 to 2 inches wide. Flowers are uniformly rosy pink with a darker center or white with a dark pink center.

Found: Open, dry, disturbed sites throughout central and southern Florida. Native to Madagascar.

Blooms: All year

Comment: "Catharanthus" means pure flower. The name "roseus" means rose colored. This plant is commonly cultivated and frequently seen in Florida. Alkaloids in the leaves are useful in treating childhood leukemia and Hodgkin's disease. Other alkaloids are being tested for the treatment of diabetes, influenza, and polio. If eaten, the plant is poisonous to people and livestock.