Intermediate periwinkle (Vinca difformis, Mém. Acad. Sci. Toulouse 3: 333 (1788))

Family: Apocynaceae

Author: Pourr.

Bibliography: Mém. Acad. Sci. Toulouse 3: 333 (1788)

Year: 1788

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Vinca

Vegetable: False

Observations: Azores, W. & C. Medit.

Description

The Intermediate Periwinkle, known scientifically as Vinca difformis, is a perennial species renowned for its beautiful and lush display of flowers. It belongs to the family Apocynaceae, a diverse group that includes a variety of flowering plants.

First described in 1788, Vinca difformis has since been recognized for its adaptability and charming presence in gardens and natural landscapes alike. It is native to the Azores as well as the western and central regions of the Mediterranean.

The Intermediate Periwinkle thrives in various conditions, making it a versatile addition to many environments. This plant is particularly valued for its ground-covering ability, spreading across the soil to form a dense mat of foliage that helps suppress weeds and control erosion.

Its flowers are a distinctive feature, typically presenting a soft palette of colors that can range from light blue to violet. These blossoms add a touch of elegance and serenity to any green space, blooming generously and providing an extended display through much of the growing season.

As a member of the Apocynaceae family, Vinca difformis shares several common characteristics with its relatives, such as its milky sap and opposite leaves. This family is widely appreciated for its ornamental plants, many of which are cultivated for their striking flowers and foliage.

In summary, the Intermediate Periwinkle (Vinca difformis) is a hardy and aesthetically pleasing plant with widespread appeal, both for its beauty and its practical applications in horticulture and landscaping.

Common Names

Eng: intermediate periwinkle
Spa: alcandórea, barredora, flor de muerto, hierba doncella de hoja ancha, jazmines de burro, jazminicos, pervinca
Cym: perfagl serennog
En: Intermediate periwinkle, Intermediate Periwinkle [plant]
Ca: Vincapervinca, Viola de bruixa
Fr: Pervenche difforme, Pervenche intermédiaire
Gl: Herba da envexa
De: Mittleres Immergrün, Kleines Immergrün, Wintergrün
It: Pervinca ovata
Es: Alcandórea, Barredora, Flor de muerto, Hierba doncella de hoja ancha, Jazmines de burro, Jazminicos, Pervinca, Vincapervinca
Sv: Ljusblå vintergröna
Cy: Perfagl serennog

Synonyms

• Vinca major subsp. difformis ((Pourr.) M.Laínz)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Corse (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Dec 10, 2021 by Martinez Alvaro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 5, 2022 by Y J Alfonso Y J (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 29, 2020 by Dan Pyke (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 10, 2022 by Tecpal Patine (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2017 by Elizabeth Jimbi (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 18, 2022 by marie val (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2021 by Patrice Nodet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 19, 2020 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 8, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 26, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 6, 2020 by Moreno Jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2022 by Ricardo Lemaur (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 8, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 26, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2018 by Pascal Rose (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 4, 2021 by Lozano (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2020 by maire sofia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2022 by Torres Pedro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2022 by Torres Pedro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 12, 2022 by Julie – Anne (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Mar 22, 2019 by Dominique Roux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/6421637)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:82683-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Vinca difformis Pourr.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 6

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Soil nutriments: 5