Polygalaceae

Polygala myrtifolia

Common Names: Polygala

Plant Form: Upright shrub. Size: 1-3 m tall. Stem: Young stems covered in fine curled hairs, older stems hairless and greyish-brown. Leaves: Crowded close together, alternately arranged, oval or egg shaped with smooth edges up to 4 cm long. Flowers: Pink or purple and pea-like, with wings, central keel-like structure is whiter. Fruit and Seeds: Capsule, flattened and circular to 1 cm diameter, green ageing to brown. 2 hairy black seeds per capsule. Habitat: Coastal headlands and outcrops. Distinguishing Features: Distinctive as a species but can be extremely similar to horticultural varieties. Polygala myrtifolia var. grandiflora has slightly larger flowers and P. x dalmaisiana (a hybrid of P. myrtifolia and P. fruticosa) has some opposite leaves. Impacts: Forms monocultures excluding native species.