Lesser Periwinkle is a
non-native invasive
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in woodland, hedgerows and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 15cm.
Lesser Periwinkle, and the related larger Greater Periwinkle, are grown as garden plants and exists in the wild as garden escapes. Lesser Periwinkle is distinguished from Greater Periwinkle by having: smaller flowers; smaller, narrower and more elongated leaves; and smooth edges to the leaves. It is also less invasive.
Botanic classification and naming: Lesser Periwinkle is a member of the Dogbane (Apocynaceae) family. The genus name
'Vinca' identifies the plant as a Periwinkle and its species name 'minor' means 'rather small'.
Concerns: Lesser Periwinkle can tolerate shade and poor soil to outcompete native plants and reduce species diversity. The plant is poisonous to cats, dogs and horses.
Benefits: Periwinkle contains several different Vinca alkaloids which have been found to be effective in chemotherapy for a range of cancers. They act by blocking the rapid cell division associated with cancer.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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