Weeds of Australia - Fact Sheet

Top Scientific Name Synonyms Family Common Names Origin Naturalised Distribution Notes

Scientific Name

Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don.

Synonyms

Ammocallis rosea (L.) Small
Lochnera rosea (L.) Reichb.
Vinca rosea L.

Family

Apocynaceae

Common Names

bright-eyes, Cape periwinkle, Madagascar periwinkle, old-maid, periwinkle, pink periwinkle, rose periwinkle, rosy periwinkle, vinca

Origin

Native to Madagascar.

Naturalised Distribution

This species is widely naturalised in northern Australia. It is common in eastern Queensland and also naturalised in the coastal districts of northern New South Wales, in the northern and western parts of Western Australia and in the coastal districts of the Northern Territory. It is also naturalised on Christmas Island and was reported to be naturalised in some parts of southern South Australia in the past.

Notes

Though commonly found near habitation, this species is also regarded as an environmental weed in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia. It is most abundant and troublesome in eastern Queensland. For example, it is abundant on Magnetic Island in northern Queensland and is listed among the 100 most invasive plants in south-eastern Queensland.

Pink periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is most commonly associated with coastal habitats (e.g. cliff faces, rocky ocean ledges and sand dunes) and other sites with sandy soils, but also grows in bushland and disturbed natural vegetation near urban areas.