| a plant, Catharanthus roseus (or Vinca rosea), cultivated for its glossy foliage and pink or white flowers. |
| Madagascar periwinkle n. A perennial plant (Catharanthus roseus) native to Madagascar and India, having pink or white flowers with a salverform corolla and opposite leaves. It is poisonous to domestic animals and is the source of certain substances used in the treatment of cancer. Also called rose periwinkle. |