Madagascar Periwinkle (IMAGE) VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Caption The main source of vinblastine and vincristine is the Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), also known as an ornamental plant. The SmartCell Consortium succeeded in elucidating the complete upstream segment of the biosynthetic pathway leading to these valuable anticancer pharmaceuticals, and thus creating the basis for their biotechnological production. Credit Photo: VTT Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.