Vinca difformis Pourr.

Spice Flower In the field

Family: APOCYNACEAE

Genus: Vinca

Catalan common name: Proenga. Vincapervinca. Viola de bruixa.

Spanish common name: Alcandórea. Hierba doncella. Hierba lechera. Vincapervinca.

Province distribution: Alacant. Balearic Islands. Barcelona. Girona. Tarragona.

Distribution in the islands: Mallorca. Menorca. Ibiza.

General distribution (Phytogeography): West Mediterranean

Uses and properties: Medicinal.

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Chameophyte.

Habitats: Hedges. Non-saline wetlands (intermittent watercourses, streams, artesian wells, ditches). Rocky surfaces and dry stone walls. Shady zones, torrents and roads sides.

Characteristics: The periwinkle spreads itself along the ground with large branches covered with opposite, shiny round leaves. Flowers are a soft blue colour, at times may seem whitish, have a large tube that opens into five slightly symmetrical lobes, slightly resembling a propeller. Flowers during the winter and summer.