Scientific Name
Other Names
Life Form
Family
Medicine - In traditional Chinese medicine, extracts from it have been used against numerous diseases, including diabetes, and malaria. The substances vinblastine and vincristine extracted from the plant are used in the treatment of leukemia and Hodgkin's lymphoma. Ornamental - Potted plant used as an ornament.
Madagascar
Thrives in Coastal areas, disturbed areas like roadsides and abandoned fields, cultivated landscapes.
It is an evergreen subshrub or herbaceous erect or decumbent growing 100 cm tall.
Stem is tall with an erect posture, reaching upwards for sunlight. The shape can be either round or slightly angular, and younger plants boast a smooth, hairless surface. As matures, the lower portion of the stem may develop a woodier texture, offering increased support for its flourishing growth.
Leaves are oval to oblong, measuring 2.5–9 cm in length and 1–3.5 cm in width. They are glossy green, hairless, and have a pale midrib with a short leaf stalk ranging from 1–1.8 cm long. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs.
Flowers are white to dark pink with a darker red centre, with a basal tube 2.5–3 cm long and a flower 2–5 cm diameter with five petal-like lobes.
Fruit is a pair of follicle, 2–4 cm long.
Flowering: Spring-autumn.