Periwinkle
| Botanical Name | Vinca major |
|---|---|
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Origin | Mediterranean |
Identification
Dense mat of long running, hairless stems with roots at nodes. Opposite leaves oval, usually around 40 mm, usually dark glossy green, rarely variegated white and green. Flowers tubular and flat-lobed at mouth to 50 mm diameter, mauvish blue, Jan-Dec.Habitats
Lowland and coastal forest including pohutukawa forest, shrublands and rocklands, inshore islands and coastal areas generally, forest light gaps, alluvial flats, roadsides, quarries, wastelands, possibly exotic plantations.Impact to Biota and Ecosystems
Has similar properties to wandering jew in its ability to grow in shade conditions and form a thick smothering blanket. Stops regenerating forest seedlings and ground cover plant species. May spread over many square metres of forest floor. Small ground cover plant species with limited distribution growing in rocky areas and coastal or alluvial ecosystems are the species most impacted.Dispersal Routes, Vectors, Infestation Sources
Dispersed from dumping of garden waste and may be moved overland by road machinery and soil disturbances along rivers. Produces seed.Management
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Management |
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| Physical Control |
Hard to kill. Hand pull as much as possible, particularly the runners. Repeat at regular intervals. |
| Disposal |
Compost, bury deeply or burn. Do not mulch. |
| Chemical Control |
(i) Activated Amitrole. Rate - 2 litres Activated Amitrole/100 litres water + wetting agent (surfactant). (ii) Glyphosate. Rate - 300 ml in 15 litres of water plus 30 ml Pentrant. |
|
Biological Control |
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| Recommended Approach |
Hand pull small infestations. Spray larger areas. |