THE PERIWINKLE FAMILY 
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1. *Greater Periwinkle. (Vinca major. Linn.)— As just described. A creeping 
evergreen plant with large purplish-blue flowers, i|-2 inches across, solitary, in the axils of 
the leaves, on stalks shorter than the leaves ; the calyx-lobes are nearly as long as the corolla-tube, 
and are fringed with hairs ; the corolla-tube is broadly funnel-shaped, though slightly contracted 
at the top, and the limb is flat and spreading. The stems are trailing, erect when in flower, 
otherwise prostrate ; and the glossy evergreen leaves are 2-4 inches long, egg-shaped, shortly 
stalked, entire, and fringed with hairs. 
Not a native. Naturalised in many places in England and the south of Scotland. April — May. 
Perennial. 
2. Lesser Periwinkle. (Vin ca minor. Linn.) — A species with far more claim to being 
a native, though probably an escape from cultivation. Very similar to the Greater Periwinkle, but 
with smaller flowers, about 1 inch across, rarely white, on longer stalks in proportion to the leaves ; 
the calyx-lobes shorter and not fringed with hairs ; the corolla-tube more open ; the stems thinner, 
more wiry, and rooting at the nodes ; the flowering stems short and erect ; and the leaves much 
smaller and narrower, and not fringed with hairs. [. Plate 12. 
Not uncommon. In woods and on shady banks throughout England, sometimes covering the 
ground in woods in the west of England with its creeping stems covered with their shining 
evergreen leaves. March — June and often again in the autumn. Perennial. 
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