by Steve Parker
Madagascar periwinkle
Madagascar periwinkle is an increasingly popular plant for annual flower beds. It is vigorous, extremely durable, and tolerant of poor soil. New hybrids have extended the color palette of this species from the standard white and pink to deeper shades of red and purple. This species contains many biologically active chemicals, including some that are useful in the treatment of leukemia. However, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, and care should be taken when handling the species.