A PLANT which has the power to treat cancer is blooming at Oxford Botanic Garden.

The Madagascan periwinkle plant, which is considered to be an invasive weed in some areas of the world, is regularly used to treat childhood leukaemia.

Trainee botanic horticulturalist at Oxford Botanic Garden Virginia Vargo said: “Chemicals extracted from the leaves are used in the treatment.

“It was used in Jamaica as a herbal treatment for diabetes, but tests carried out by the University of Oxford in the 1960s showed it’s not effective for diabetes. It was discovered however that it had an impact on leukaemia. I believe it’s still used to this day.”

The plant is an endangered wild plant in Madagascar, but has become widespread in the tropics and sub-tropics.

Also known as rosy periwinkle, the plant is valued as summer bedding in temperate areas due to its drought tolerance and long flowering season.