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, this 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 stabilization, leading to erosion.

Identification: Know Your Foe

It is important to distinguish between the two common types found in SA:

FeatureGreater Periwinkle (Vinca major)Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)
Flowers5-petaled, violet-blue (sometimes white).Pink, white, or rosy-purple with a darker "eye."
LeavesHeart-shaped or oval, glossy green, opposite.Oblong, glossy green with a pale midrib.
GrowthTrailing, creeping stems that root at the nodes.More upright, small shrub-like growth.
PreferenceThrives in shade/damp areas (forest edges).Loves full sun and heat (very drought-tolerant).

How to remove it, our Call to Action

We encourage community members to take a "Seek and Destroy" approach.

  • Hand-Pulling (Small Patches): Best done when the soil is moist (e.g., after rain). You must dig out the entire root system.

    • Warning: Even a small fragment of a stem left behind can regrow into a new colony.

  • Solarization: For larger patches in sunny areas, covering the plants with heavy black plastic for several months can "cook" the roots.

  • Disposal (Crucial Step): Never put periwinkle in your compost heap.  . The stems are resilient and will simply start growing in your compost. Bag the remains in heavy-duty plastic bags for municipal refuse.

Indigenous Alternatives

These local stars provide the same "groundcover" look without the ecological damage:

  • Bush Violet (Barleria obtusa): Beautiful purple flowers that love the same semi-shaded spots as Vinca major.

  • Wild Aster (Felicia amelloides): Gorgeous blue/purple flowers for sunny spots.

  • Creeping Foxglove (Asystasia gangetica): A fast-growing indigenous groundcover.

  • Carpet Geranium (Geranium incanum): Perfect for a soft, lacy look.



“Many of us inherited these plants when we moved into our homes, and they are undeniably pretty. However, as stewards of this beautiful conservancy, we have a chance to give our local flora the space it needs to breathe.”

Because Periwinkle is a Category 1b invader, we don't just have an environmental duty to remove it—we have a legal obligation. Keeping it in our gardens is technically against the law because of the risk it poses to our local biodiversity.

In South Africa, the classification of invasive species is governed by the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA). When a plant, like the Periwinkles, is labeled as Category 1b, it falls under the strictest level of mandatory control for established invaders.

Here are the specific requirements and legal implications for Category 1b species:

Mandatory Control and Removal

The most significant requirement is that these species must be controlled or eradicated.

  • Property Owner Responsibility: If a Category 1b species is growing on your land (private or public), you are legally required to contain its spread and, where possible, remove it entirely.

  • Government Intervention: If a landowner fails to manage the species, the government has the right to issue a directive. If the directive is ignored, authorities may remove the plants themselves and bill the landowner for the costs.

Prohibition of "Restricted Activities"

Under the law, you are prohibited from performing almost any action that would encourage the plant's survival. Specifically, you may not:

  • Sell or Trade: It is illegal to sell, buy, or trade the plant or its seeds.

  • Propagate: You cannot take cuttings or grow new versions of the plant.

  • Transport: You are not allowed to move the plant or its parts (including seeds in soil) from one location to another.

  • Spread: You must ensure that the plant does not spread to neighboring properties or natural water sources.

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