How to identify Greater periwinkle (Vinca major)
Greater periwinkle, also known as Blue periwinkle, Big periwinkle
Greater periwinkle is an evergreen that provides lush ground coverage with its sprawling non-flowering stems, which contrast with the upright nature of its flowering counterparts. The foliage forms a dense mat, and the plant thrives in conditions of part shade to full shade. A key identifying feature is its striking blue-to-violet blossoms, measuring about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) across, which adorn the plant mainly in the spring and sporadically until the fall. The flowers’ radial symmetry and five petal-like lobes are distinctive, while the dark green leaves add to its visual appeal.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Vine, Herb
Leaf Type: Evergreen
Vivid blue-to-violet blossoms, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) wide, with five petal-like lobes.
Opposite, evergreen leaves, 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long, with prominent veins and ciliolate margins.
Smooth-textured stem, erect yet arching, with milky latex and light green to greenish-brown color.
Solitary, violet-hued flowers, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) wide, radially symmetrical with five lobes.
Cylindrical fruit, up to 2 inches (5 cm) long, splitting upon drying to disperse seeds.
The leaves of greater periwinkle are opposite, simple, and evergreen. They are ovate in shape, typically measuring 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) in length. The leaves exhibit a deep green color, though some may be variegated with lighter shades. The leaf margins are entire and slightly fringed (ciliolate), giving a delicate fringe-like appearance. The leaf apex is acute, while the base is more rotund. The texture is smooth, and the veins are prominent, creating a noticeable pattern on the leaf surface.
The flowers of greater periwinkle are solitary and axillary, exhibiting a striking violet hue due to anthocyanin pigmentation, though some may appear white. Its corolla is rotate and actinomorphic, meaning it is radially symmetrical with five distinct lobes. Each flower typically measures about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in diameter, forming a star-like shape. These blooms usually appear in spring through early summer, releasing a subtle fragrance that adds to their ornamental appeal.
The stem of greater periwinkle is erect, arching towards the ground at the apex. It has a smooth texture and contains a milky latex. The stem is typically light green to greenish-brown, with a thickness of approximately 0.1 to 0.2 inches (2.5 to 5 mm). Branches often emerge in intervals, contributing to a sprawling growth habit. This structure is crucial for both support and nutrient distribution in the plant.
The fruit of greater periwinkle is slender and cylindrical, measuring up to 2 inches (5 cm) long. Characterized by its propensity to split upon drying, it facilitates the dispersal of its three to five seeds. The surface of the fruit may appear deceptively inconspicuous, and because of its rarity in cultivation, observing such fruits is uncommon. Typically, the fruits are seen in their mature form, transitioning from an initially fleshy state to a more desiccated texture, indicative of their readiness to release seeds.
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Scientific Classification of Greater periwinkle
