Catharanthus_roseus by Joy Deep
Photo by Joy Deep

Catharanthus roseus Risk Assessment

Common names: Madagascar periwinkle

Catharanthus roseus -- California

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Created by: Kristina Wolf
Created on: Wednesday, May 18th, 2016
Evaluation Summary
Summary: 
General Evaluation Information
Date of Evaluation: 
May 18, 2016
Evaluation Time (hrs): 
2 Hours
Evaluation Status: 
Completed
Plant Information
Plant: 
Catharanthus roseus
Plant Material: 
If the plant is a cultivar, and if the cultivar's behavior differs from its parent's (behavior), explain how: 
Regional Information
Region Name: 
California
Climate Matching Map
These maps were built using a toolkit created in collaboration between GreenInfo Network, PlantRight, Cal-IPC, and Agricultural Sustainability Institute at UC Davis.
Link to Climate Matching Map: 
Climate Matching Maps PDF: 
Invasive History and Climate Matching
1. Has the species (or cultivar or variety, if applicable; applies to subsequent "species" questions) become naturalized where it is not native?
Yes or No: 
Yes
Points: 
1
Confidence Level: 
Very High
Answer / Justification: 
Madagascar periwinkle is cultivated over most of the world, and has become naturalized in almost every tropical and subtropical region. In cooler areas, it is cultivated as an annual or indoor plant (EOL). Naturalized in: Africa: Macaronesia: Spain - Canary Islands Northeast Tropical Africa: Eritrea; Ethiopia South Tropical Africa: Malawi; Mozambique; Zambia Southern Africa: Namibia; South Africa; Swaziland Western Indian Ocean: Mauritius; Reunion; Seychelles Asia-Tropical: Indian Subcontinent: Sri Lanka Indo-China: Thailand Malesia: Malaysia; Papua New Guinea Australasia: Australia: Australia New Zealand: New Zealand - Kermadec Islands Northern America: South-Central U.S.A.: United States - Texas Southeastern U.S.A.: United States - Florida Southern Mexico: Mexico - Chiapas, - Quintana Roo, - Yucatan Southwestern U.S.A.: United States - California Pacific: North-Central Pacific: United States - Hawaii Northwestern Pacific: Marshall Islands; Micronesia; Northern Mariana Islands; U.S. Outlying Islands - Wake Island South-Central Pacific: French Polynesia Southwestern Pacific: American Samoa; Fiji; New Caledonia; Niue; Tonga Southern America: Caribbean: Anguilla; Antigua and Barbuda; Bahamas; Barbados; Cayman Islands; Cuba; Dominica; Dominican Republic; Guadeloupe; Haiti; Jamaica; Martinique; Montserrat; Netherlands Antilles; Puerto Rico; St. Kitts and Nevis; St. Lucia; St. Vincent and Grenadines; Virgin Islands (British); Virgin Islands (U.S.) Mesoamerica: Belize; Costa Rica; El Salvador; Guatemala; Honduras; Nicaragua; Panama Northern South America: Venezuela Southern South America: Argentina; Paraguay; Uruguay Western South America: Bolivia; Ecuador - Galapagos Islands; Peru (GRIN) 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 (Weeds of Australia Biosecurity Queensland Edition). Widely cultivated, naturalized in tropics, subtropics, often a waif in warm temperate; evidence of naturalization in California lacking (Jepson).
Reference(s): 
2. Is the species (or cultivar or variety) noted as being naturalized in the US or world in a similar climate?
Yes or No: 
Yes
Points: 
2
Confidence Level: 
Very High
Answer / Justification: 
Madagascar periwinkle is cultivated over most of the world, and has become naturalized in almost every tropical and subtropical region. In cooler areas, it is cultivated as an annual or indoor plant (EOL). Naturalized in: Africa: Macaronesia: Spain - Canary Islands Northeast Tropical Africa: Eritrea; Ethiopia South Tropical Africa: Malawi; Mozambique; Zambia Southern Africa: Namibia; South Africa; Swaziland Western Indian Ocean: Mauritius; Reunion; Seychelles Asia-Tropical: Indian Subcontinent: Sri Lanka Indo-China: Thailand Malesia: Malaysia; Papua New Guinea Australasia: Australia: Australia New Zealand: New Zealand - Kermadec Islands Northern America: South-Central U.S.A.: United States - Texas Southeastern U.S.A.: United States - Florida Southern Mexico: Mexico - Chiapas, - Quintana Roo, - Yucatan Southwestern U.S.A.: United States - California Pacific: North-Central Pacific: United States - Hawaii Northwestern Pacific: Marshall Islands; Micronesia; Northern Mariana Islands; U.S. Outlying Islands - Wake Island South-Central Pacific: French Polynesia Southwestern Pacific: American Samoa; Fiji; New Caledonia; Niue; Tonga Southern America: Caribbean: Anguilla; Antigua and Barbuda; Bahamas; Barbados; Cayman Islands; Cuba; Dominica; Dominican Republic; Guadeloupe; Haiti; Jamaica; Martinique; Montserrat; Netherlands Antilles; Puerto Rico; St. Kitts and Nevis; St. Lucia; St. Vincent and Grenadines; Virgin Islands (British); Virgin Islands (U.S.) Mesoamerica: Belize; Costa Rica; El Salvador; Guatemala; Honduras; Nicaragua; Panama Northern South America: Venezuela Southern South America: Argentina; Paraguay; Uruguay Western South America: Bolivia; Ecuador - Galapagos Islands; Peru (GRIN) 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 (Weeds of Australia Biosecurity Queensland Edition). Widely cultivated, naturalized in tropics, subtropics, often a waif in warm temperate; evidence of naturalization in California lacking (Jepson). Many of these regions overlap substantially with California's climate zones (Cal-IPC global map of climate areas matching California).
Reference(s): 
3. Is the species (or cultivar or variety) noted as being invasive in the U.S. or world?
Yes or No: 
Yes
Points: 
2
Confidence Level: 
Very High
Answer / Justification: 
Madagascar periwinkle may prefer sandy soil at low altitudes but is capable of surviving in a variety of tropical and subtropical habitats, including in disturbed areas. It is self-compatible, and has spread from cultivation to become naturalized in many parts of the world. Some therefore consider the plant to be an invasive weed. Although it does readily escape from cultivation, it does not proliferate to the point of overgrowing and wiping out native vegetation in areas where it becomes established, as do seriously invasive plants such as kudzu or Japanese knotweed (EOL). It is so well adapted to growth in Australia, that it is listed as a noxious weed in Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, and also in parts of eastern Queensland (Wikipedia). "It 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. Pink periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is also a problem species in northern Queensland (e.g. it is abundant on Magnetic Island), and is regarded as an environmental weed in New South Wales and Western Australia." (Brisbane City Council Weed Identification Tool). 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 (Weeds of Australia Biosecurity Queensland Edition). Catharanthus roseus is invasive in parts of Kenya (BioNET-EAFRINET Invasive Plants Keys and Fact Sheets).
Reference(s): 
4. Is the species (or cultivar or variety) noted as being invasive in the US or world in a similar climate?
Yes or No: 
Yes
Points: 
3
Confidence Level: 
Very High
Answer / Justification: 
Madagascar periwinkle may prefer sandy soil at low altitudes but is capable of surviving in a variety of tropical and subtropical habitats, including in disturbed areas. It is self-compatible, and has spread from cultivation to become naturalized in many parts of the world. Some therefore consider the plant to be an invasive weed. Although it does readily escape from cultivation, it does not proliferate to the point of overgrowing and wiping out native vegetation in areas where it becomes established, as do seriously invasive plants such as kudzu or Japanese knotweed (EOL). It is so well adapted to growth in Australia, that it is listed as a noxious weed in Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, and also in parts of eastern Queensland (Wikipedia). "It 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. Pink periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is also a problem species in northern Queensland (e.g. it is abundant on Magnetic Island), and is regarded as an environmental weed in New South Wales and Western Australia." (Brisbane City Council Weed Identification Tool). 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 (Weeds of Australia Biosecurity Queensland Edition). Catharanthus roseus is invasive in parts of Kenya (BioNET-EAFRINET Invasive Plants Keys and Fact Sheets). Many of these regions overlap substantially with California's climate zones (Cal-IPC global map of climate areas matching California).
Reference(s): 
5. Are other species of the same genus (or closely related genera) invasive in a similar climate?
Yes or No: 
Yes
Points: 
1
Confidence Level: 
Very High
Answer / Justification: 
It was formerly classified in the Vinca genus as Vinca rosea (EOL). Vinca major is a weedy congener in California (Cal-IPC; UC IPM).
Reference(s): 
6. Is the species (or cultivar or variety) found predominately in a climate matching the region of concern?
Yes or No: 
Yes
Points: 
2
Confidence Level: 
Very High
Answer / Justification: 
Native to Madagascar; introduced into many temperate and tropical areas on various continents and islands worldwide. 0-1000 m elevation. As an ornamental plant, it is appreciated for its hardiness in dry and nutritionally deficient conditions, popular in subtropical gardens where temperatures never fall below 5 °C to 7 °C, and as a warm-season bedding plant in temperate gardens (EOL). Does best in Zones 9a-11 (Dave's Garden). Located throughout most of the world, with over 1300 records on GBIF alone; mostly in southern hemisphere and southern portion of northern hemisphere (GBIF). Most of these regions overlap substantially with California's climate zones (Cal-IPC global map of climate areas matching California).
Reference(s): 
Impact on Native Plants and Animals
7. Does this plant displace native plants and dominate (overtop or smother) the plant community in areas where it has established?
Yes or No: 
No
Points: 
0
Confidence Level: 
High
Answer / Justification: 
Although it does readily escape from cultivation, it does not proliferate to the point of overgrowing and wiping out native vegetation in areas where it becomes established, as do seriously invasive plants such as kudzu or Japanese knotweed (EOL). As a consequence, Madagascar periwinkle is sometimes considered to be an invasive weed, although it does not normally proliferate sufficiently to eliminate native vegetation (KEW). An exhaustive Google/Google Scholar search did not reveal any additional strong evidence of this and this defaults to a “no” answer at this time.
Reference(s): 
8. Is the plant noted as promoting fire and/or changing fire regimes?
Yes or No: 
No
Points: 
0
Confidence Level: 
Medium
Answer / Justification: 
An exhaustive Google/Google Scholar search did not reveal any evidence and this defaults to a “no” answer at this time. It is a relatively fleshy, evergreen subshrub, so unlikely.
Reference(s): 
9. Is the plant a health risk to humans or animals/fish? Has the species been noted as impacting grazing systems?
Yes or No: 
Yes
Points: 
1
Confidence Level: 
Medium
Answer / Justification: 
Madagascar periwinkle contains a large number of toxic alkaloids, the best known of which are vincristine and vinblastine. Animals consuming large amounts of Madagascar periwinkle while grazing have been observed to suffer from hypotension, neurotoxicity, anemia, seizures, and death. No specific treatments are known; Burrows and Tyrl (2001) recommend supportive treatment including sedation and, if appropriate, activated charcoal. Traditional human medicinal uses of Madagascar periwinkle do not cause similar toxicity, apparently because the quantities consumed are too small to provide a lethal dose of the toxic alkaloids (EOL). As with other members of the Apocynaceae family, the sap is extremely toxic (KEW). Madagascar periwinkle is poisonous if ingested or smoked. It has caused poisoning in grazing animals. Even under a doctor's supervision for cancer treatment, products from Madagascar periwinkle produce undesirable side effects (Floridata).
Reference(s): 
10. Does the plant produce impenetrable thickets, blocking or slowing movement of animals, livestock, or humans?
Yes or No: 
No
Points: 
0
Confidence Level: 
Medium
Answer / Justification: 
Perennial subshrub, woody at base, 30-60 cm tall, young branches pubescent (EOL). An exhaustive Google/Google Scholar search did not reveal any additional evidence of this and it defaults to a “no” answer at this time. Unlikely based on size of plant.
Reference(s): 
Reproductive Strategies
11. Does this species (or cultivar or variety) reproduce and spread vegetatively?
Yes or No: 
No
Points: 
0
Confidence Level: 
Medium
Answer / Justification: 
Propagated by seed. Plants may also be propagated by cuttings (EOL). Madagascar periwinkle is easy to cultivate, and can be propagated by seed or by cuttings (KEW). Horticultural propagations do not warrant a yes for this question, and an exhaustive Google/Google Scholar search did not reveal any evidence of this and it defaults to a “no” answer at this time.
Reference(s): 
12. If naturally detached fragments from this plant are capable of producing new plants, is this a common method of reproduction for the plant?
Yes or No: 
No
Points: 
0
Confidence Level: 
Medium
Answer / Justification: 
Plants may also be propagated by cuttings (EOL). Madagascar periwinkle is easy to cultivate, and can be propagated by seed or by cuttings (KEW). Horticultural propagations do not warrant a yes for this question, it is unlikely to fragment easily, and an exhaustive Google/Google Scholar search did not reveal any evidence of this and it defaults to a “no” answer at this time.
Reference(s): 
13. Does the species (or cultivar or variety) commonly produce viable seed?
Yes or No: 
Yes
Points: 
1
Confidence Level: 
Very High
Answer / Justification: 
Plant germinates readily from seed (EOL). Madagascar periwinkle is easy to cultivate, and can be propagated by seed or by cuttings (KEW). Propagated by seed (Dave's Garden).
Reference(s): 
14. Does this plant produce copious viable seeds each year (> 1000)?
Yes or No: 
Points: 
Confidence Level: 
Low
Answer / Justification: 
There are about 21,000 seeds per ounce, depending on the cultivar (Greenhouse Production of Annual Vinca), but no information was found on ounces of seed produced per plant, and this remains unanswered at this time.
Reference(s): 
15. Is there significant germination (>25%) of seeds the next growing season, with no requirement of an infrequent environmental condition for seeds to germinate (i.e. fire) or long dormancy period?
Yes or No: 
Yes
Points: 
1
Confidence Level: 
Very High
Answer / Justification: 
Plant germinates readily from seed. Snoeijer (1996) found that seed germination is improved by covering a pot with plastic for increased humidity, sowing the seeds on top of the soil, and exposing them to light; however, other authorities favor germination in the dark (EOL). Gogitidze (1983) reported 85-95% of freshly harvested seeds germinated after 2 days and they retained high germinability for two subsequent years (PIER).
Reference(s): 
16. Does this plant produce viable seed within the first three years (for an herbaceous species) to five years (for a woody species) after germination?
Yes or No: 
Yes
Points: 
1
Confidence Level: 
High
Answer / Justification: 
Is treated as an annual often, flowers within first year (Greenhouse Production of Annual Vinca).
Reference(s): 
17. Does this plant continuously produce seed for >3 months each year or does seed production occur more than once a year?
Yes or No: 
Yes
Points: 
1
Confidence Level: 
High
Answer / Justification: 
Fruiting throughout the year. It is noted for its long flowering period, throughout the year in tropical conditions, and from spring to late autumn, in warm temperate climates (EOL). Flowers Summer in California (Jepson). California has long summers, and this is a "yes".
Reference(s): 
Dispersal
18. Are the plant’s propagules frequently dispersed long distance (>100 m) by mammals or birds or via domestic animals?
Yes or No: 
No
Points: 
0
Confidence Level: 
Medium
Answer / Justification: 
Its seeds have been seen to be distributed by ants (KEW). These seeds are spread by water, wind and in dumped garden waste. They may also be dispersed by animals, vehicles, and in contaminated soil (Brisbane City Council Weed Identification Tool). However, an exhaustive Google/Google Scholar search did not reveal any additional evidence, there are no morphological adaptations for dispersal by animals, and ants will not likely distribute 100 m or more, and it defaults to a “no” answer at this time.
Reference(s): 
19. Are the plant’s propagules frequently dispersed long distance (>100 m) by wind or water?
Yes or No: 
No
Points: 
0
Confidence Level: 
Medium
Answer / Justification: 
These seeds are spread by water, wind and in dumped garden waste. They may also be dispersed by animals, vehicles, and in contaminated soil (Brisbane City Council Weed Identification Tool). An exhaustive Google/Google Scholar search did not reveal any additional evidence of this, and there are no obvious morphological adaptations for wind or water dispersal, and it defaults to a “no” answer at this time.
Reference(s): 
20. Are the plant’s propagules frequently dispersed via contaminated seed (agriculture or wildflower packets), equipment, vehicles, boats or clothing/shoes?
Yes or No: 
No
Points: 
0
Confidence Level: 
Medium
Answer / Justification: 
These seeds are spread by water, wind and in dumped garden waste. They may also be dispersed by animals, vehicles, and in contaminated soil (Brisbane City Council Weed Identification Tool). An exhaustive Google/Google Scholar search did not reveal any additional evidence of this, and there are no obvious morphological adaptations for this type of dispersal, and it defaults to a “no” answer at this time.
Reference(s): 
Evaluation Notes

The following webpages were consulted for this screen: Tropicos: http://www.tropicos.org/Name/1800007; GBIF: http://www.gbif.org/species/search?q=Catharanthus+roseus&dataset_key=d7d... ARS GRIN: https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxonomydetail.aspx?id=70159; The Plant List: http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl/record/kew-35719; EOL: http://www.eol.org/pages/581125/overview; USDA PLANTS: http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CARO14; Cal-IPC (congener): http://www.cal-ipc.org/ip/management/ipcw/pages/detailreport.cfm@usernum... Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catharanthus_roseus; KEW: http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/plants-fungi/catharanthus-roseus... Brisbane weeds: http://weeds.brisbane.qld.gov.au/weeds/pink-periwinkle; Floridata: http://floridata.com/Plants/Apocynaceae/Catharanthus%20roseus/884; Weeds of Australia: http://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/media/Html/catharanthus_ros... BioNet: http://keys.lucidcentral.org/keys/v3/eafrinet/weeds/key/weeds/Media/Html...(Madagascar_Periwinkle).htm; James Cook Univ: https://www.jcu.edu.au/orpheus-island-research-station/information-about... UC IPM: http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/GARDEN/FLOWERS/vinca.html; Dave’s Garden: http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/185/#b; CNPLX: http://www.cnplx.info/nplx/species?taxon=Catharanthus+roseus; Jepson: http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/eflora_display.php?tid=18352; PIER: http://www.hear.org/pier/wra/pacific/catharanthus_roseus_htmlwra.htm

Reviewed by Irina Irvine and Gina Darin.

Total PRE Score

  • < 13 : accept (low risk of invasiveness)
  • 13 - 15 : evaluate further
  • > 15 : reject (high risk of invasiveness)

PRE Score: 
16
Number of questions answered: 
19
Screener Confidence (%): 
80.0
PRE Content Access and Privacy
Organization: 
California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC)
Evaluation visibility: 
Public - accessible to all site users

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