Why Periwinkle is Not a "Pretty" Addition to Our Conservancy
In South Africa, "Periwinkle" usually refers to two different but equally problematic plants: Greater Periwinkle ( Vinca major ) and Madagascar Periwinkle ( Catharanthus roseus ). Both are notorious for "jumping the garden fence" and wreaking havoc in our local ecosystems. The Problem: Why Periwinkle is a Threat While these plants look charming, they are Category 1b invaders under NEMBA (National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act) in South Africa. Smothering Habit: They form dense, evergreen mats that "blanket" the ground, t his prevents indigenous seeds from germinating and kills off native groundcovers. Biodiversity Loss: When native plants disappear, so do the insects and birds that depend on them. Toxicity: The leaves contain toxins and are generally not grazed by local wildlife, giving the plant an unfair advantage. Water Theft: In riparian (riverside) zones, they outcompete native vegetation that is better suited for soil stabilizatio...