Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Streptophyta

Class: Equisetopsida

Sub class: Magnoliidae

Order: Gentianales

Family: Apocynaceae

Genus: Catharanthus

Species: roseus

Description: Shrubby plant. Leaves glabrous, oblong, entire, opposite, up to 10 cm long, tip of the lamina pointed, short petioled. Flowers bisexual, actinomorphic, white or dark pink colour with a red centre, in axillary cymes. Calyx 5 lobed. Corolla with 5 petals, arranged in twisted manner. Corolla tube up to 3 cm long. Stamens 5, inserted. Anthers free from the stigma. Ovary 2-celled. Ovule numerous. Fruit a many seeded follicle.

Uses: Used to treat many types of cancer, kidney, liver and cardiovascular disorders, diabetes and stomach disorders. Used to make hair oils.