There are many periwinkle species. The small periwinkle is a low semi-shrub, maximum height 15 cm, has egg-shaped, leathery leaves that are dark green on the front and yellow on the back and light blue to violet flowers. see also Vinca rosea.
Poisonous due to its alkaloid content, especially vincamine and eburnamenine. see also Vinca alkaloids. Phenols, phenolcarboxylic acids and flavonoids have also been found.
The dried leaves, Vincae minoris folium, were of phytopharmacological interest.