Greater Periwinkle

(Vinca major)
 
greater periwinkle
Greater Periwinkle near Battery Boutelle.
Will Elder, NPS
 

Origin Of Genus Name: Vinca is a Latin word meaning "to bind or conquer."

Presidio Locations: Found in ornamental planted and disturbed areas.

Range In State: Inner coastal California.

Description: This exotic, vining perennial is native to Europe and North Africa and has solitary, violet-blue flowers with 5 petals. Waxy leaves are oval with pointed tips and arranged in opposite pairs on arching stems that root at the tips and exude a milky latex when cut open. In moist and shady areas Greater Periwinkle creates a dense carpet that excludes virtually all other plant species. Blooms spring and early summer.

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Did You Know?

Refugees in line for supplies, 1906

In the three days following the 1906 earthquake, the Army's refugee camps at the Presidio issued 3,000 tents, 12,000 shelter halves, 13,000 ponchos, 58,000 pairs of shoes, and 24,000 regulation blue shirts.