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Central QLD Coast Landcare Network

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Pink periwinkle

Catharanthus roseus, Fam. Apocynaceae


Perennial herb or sub-shrub 0.6-1m tall with white milky sap.

Weed Category: Other invasive plants
Invasive plants that are not prohibited or restricted invasive plants, but are known to spread readily and cause negative impacts, within the region.
Weed: Yes
Form or habit: Herb, Shrub
Family: Apocynaceae
Leaf: Simple Opposite
Simple opposite oval, 25-90 x 10-35mm, leathery glossy dark green.
Flower conspicuous: Conspicuous
Flower colour:

White, Pink

Flower description: Slender tubular with 5 spreading lobes; dark pink or white and darker in the centre.
Fruit conspicuous: Inconspicuous
Fruit colour:
Fruit: Dry
Fruit description: Paired dry cylindrical follicles, 20-40 x 3mm; with numerous black oblong seeds 20-25mm long.
Habitat:
Distribution
Food source for:
Toxicity: Toxic if ingested, irritant sap, toxic or irritant to domestic pets, toxic to native animals
Origin: Madagascar
Notes: Spread by: garden waste, water and wind over short distance. Invades: disturbed areas, pest of some agricultural systems (eg sugar cane) and has the ability to invade everywhere except rainforest and wetlands. Notes: garden escapee, particularly common in coastal areas in this region. All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Information sources: Mackay Regional Pest Management Group (2018) Weeds of the Mackay Whitsunday Region Second Edition.

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