How do you tell the difference between Greater Periwinkle and Lesser Periwinkle?

by on with No Comments
Greater Periwinkle (Vinca major)
Greater Periwinkle (Vinca major)

A mass of Greater Periwinkle in the hedge just off the beach at Kennack Sands on The Lizard in Cornwall.

Insight: The photo shows the fringe of hairs along the edges of the sepals which is one of the characteristics that distinguish Greater Periwinkle (Vinca major) from Lesser Periwinkle (Vinca minor) where the sepals are glabrous or hairless.

Also, the flowers of Greater Periwinkle tend to be larger, at 40-50mm across, whereas Lesser Periwinkle are between 25-30mm.

Leave a Reply