Periwinkle facts for kids
Periwinkle is a word that can mean many different things! It can be a type of sea snail, a beautiful flower, a specific color, or even a character in a cartoon. Let's explore the different meanings of "Periwinkle."
Periwinkle: Tiny Sea Snails
When you hear "periwinkle," it often refers to a small, spiral-shelled sea snail. These snails are a type of mollusc, which is a group of animals that includes clams, oysters, and octopuses. Periwinkles live in the ocean, usually clinging to rocks or seaweed in coastal areas.
Different Kinds of Periwinkles
There are many different species of periwinkle snails. Some of the most well-known include:
- Common Periwinkle (Littorina littorea): This is one of the most common types you might see along the Atlantic coast. They are often dark gray or black.
- Australian Periwinkle (Austrolittorina unifasciata): Found in Australia, these snails have a distinctive single band on their shells.
Periwinkles as Food
In some parts of the world, especially Europe, periwinkles are collected and eaten as a seafood delicacy. They are usually boiled and then the meat is extracted from the shell with a pin or small fork.
Caddisfly Larvae
Sometimes, "periwinkle" is also a regional name for the larva (young stage) of a caddisfly. Caddisflies are insects that live near water. Their larvae often build protective cases around themselves using small stones, twigs, or leaves.
Periwinkle: Beautiful Flowers
"Periwinkle" can also refer to several types of flowering plants known for their pretty, often blue or purple, blossoms. These plants are popular in gardens because they are easy to grow and spread quickly.
Madagascar Periwinkles
- Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus): These plants are native to Madagascar, an island off the coast of Africa. They are known for their bright, colorful flowers, which can be pink, white, or purple.
- Rosy Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus): This is a very common type of Madagascar periwinkle. It's often grown as an ornamental plant and is also famous for its use in medicine.
European Periwinkles
- European Periwinkles (Vinca): These plants are native to Europe and are often used as ground cover in gardens. They have glossy green leaves and small, five-petaled flowers.
- Greater Periwinkle (Vinca major): This type has larger leaves and flowers compared to other Vinca species. Its flowers are typically a vibrant blue-purple.
- Lesser Periwinkle (Vinca minor): This is a smaller, more delicate plant often used to cover large areas of ground. Its flowers are usually a pale blue or lavender.
- Herbaceous Periwinkle (Vinca herbacea): Unlike the other Vinca types, this one loses its leaves in the winter.
Periwinkle in Arts and Entertainment
The name "Periwinkle" has also been used for characters and titles in books, films, and TV shows.
Characters You Might Know
- Periwinkle from Blue's Clues': In the popular children's TV show Blue's Clues, Periwinkle is a magical cat character who loves to do magic tricks and explore.
- Periwinkle from Secret of the Wings': In this Disney animated film, Periwinkle is Tinker Bell's long-lost twin sister! She is a frost fairy who lives in the Winter Woods.
Other Appearances
- Tribulation Periwinkle is a character in Hospital Sketches, a book written by Louisa May Alcott in 1863. Alcott is famous for writing Little Women.
- Periwinkle was a silent film made in 1917.
- Periwinkle is also the main character in the fantasy book The Changeling Sea by Patricia A. McKillip.
Periwinkle: A Pale Blue Color
Periwinkle is also the name of a soft, pale shade of blue, often with a hint of purple. It's named after the color of the flowers of the periwinkle plant. This color is often described as calming and gentle.
Periwinkle: People and Places
Sometimes, "Periwinkle" can be part of a person's name or a place name.
- Pauline Periwinkle (1863–1916) was an American journalist, poet, and teacher. She was also a feminist, meaning she supported equal rights for women.
- Periwinkle Run is the name of a small stream located in Ohio, USA.
