The Kumintang flower is the local Filipino name for Catharanthus roseus, widely known in English as the Madagascar Periwinkle or Rosy Periwinkle. This vibrant flowering plant, belonging to the dogbane family Apocynaceae, is recognized for its ornamental beauty and traditional medicinal properties.
Botanical Profile of Kumintang
Catharanthus roseus is a popular species native to Madagascar, now cultivated globally in tropical and subtropical regions. It is characterized by its glossy green leaves and distinctive five-petaled flowers, which typically bloom in shades of pink, rose, or white, often with a contrasting eye in the center.
It is known by several common names, including:
- Madagascar Periwinkle
- Rosy Periwinkle
- Cape Periwinkle
- Tsitsirika (in Filipino)
Its local name in some Filipino contexts is Kumintang.
Key Botanical Facts:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don |
| Family | Apocynaceae (Dogbane family) |
| Native To | Madagascar |
| Flower Colors | Pink, rose, white (often with a contrasting eye) |
Traditional Uses and Significance
In traditional Filipino ethnobotany, the plant locally known as Kumintang holds specific medicinal value. Historically, preparations from certain parts of this plant have been used for various health purposes.
- Indication: The Kumintang plant has been traditionally used to address irregular menstruation.
- Plant Part Used: Specifically, the roots of Catharanthus roseus are utilized for these traditional remedies.
While widely appreciated for its beauty, Catharanthus roseus has also been extensively studied for its pharmaceutical properties. It is a source of important vinca alkaloids, which are compounds with significant medical applications, particularly in modern chemotherapy treatments for certain cancers.
For more detailed information on Catharanthus roseus, you can refer to its profile on Wikipedia.
