Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Vinca major L., Sp. Pl. 209 (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
Blue periwinkle; Greater periwinkle; Periwinkle
 Description

Stems glabrous, long and partly trailing or running and rooting at nodes, with terminal part often ascending, forming dense mats often covering many square metres. Petiole (5)–7–20 mm long; margins hirsute. Lamina (3)–4–10 × (1.8)–2.5–7 cm, ovate, usually dark glossy green above, rarely variegated white and green; midrib hairy above; margins ciliate; base mostly rounded or subcordate, sometimes truncate or broad-cuneate; apex obtuse or acute. Pedicels 2.5–4 cm long, slender. Calyx 0.9–1.7 cm long; lobes linear-subulate, ciliate, glandular towards base. Corolla tube c. 1.5 cm long; limb (3)–3.5–5 cm diam., mauvish blue; lobes obliquely obovate; apex truncate or obtuse. Anthers slightly wider than long. Follicles 3.5–5 cm long, the apical part very narrow and pointed, constricted between seeds. Seeds 7–8 mm long, oblong, strongly corrugated; margins inrolled.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
 Phenology

Flowering: Jan.–Dec.

 Bibliography
Biosecurity New Zealand 2012: Regional Pest Management Strategies Database. http://www.biosecurityperformance.maf.govt.nz/
Howell, C. 2008: Consolidated list of environmental weeds in New Zealand. DOC Research & Development Series 292: 42.
Linnaeus, C. 1753: Species Plantarum. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Stockholm.