English: Myrtle-leaved muchmilk; Myrtle-leaved Polygala; September bush.
Afrikaans: Augustusbossi; Blouertjie; Langelede.
Family:
PolygalaceaeRegion: South Africa, Western Cape province.
Habitat: prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils in Mediterranean-type climates; in coastal fynbos and semi-arid regions.
Use: ornamental, for its attractive flowers and evergreen foliage, in landscaping, as a garden shrub; medicinal.
BotanyShrub; evergreen; 1 to 3 meters tall.
Root: fibrous root system adapted to well-drained soils.
Bark: taste acrid, medicinal, salicyclate, bitter, soapy, moist – increases salivation; smell fresh, medicinal, antiseptic, salicylate, wintergreen.
Leaves: opposite; simple; elliptical to lanceolate; with a smooth, glossy surface; dark green; leathery.
Inflorescence: dense, axillary spikes or clusters.
Flowers: bright; showy; often pink to purple; distinctive winged petals, butterfly-like; typically 1 to 2 cm in length.
Pollination: by bees, butterflies, other insects.
Polygala myrtifolia is appreciated for its vibrant, long-lasting flowers and evergreen foliage, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping in regions with Mediterranean climates. Its adaptability to well-drained soils and its ability to thrive in arid conditions add to its value as an ornamental plant.
Literaturehttps://fynbosphysician.wordpress.com/2013/03/22/polygala-myrtifolia/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Polygala myrtifolia