Polygala
Polygala
Polygala (pronunciation: /pɒlɪˈɡeɪlə/), also known as milkwort or snakeroot, is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Polygalaceae. They are native to temperate and subtropical regions of the world.
Etymology
The name "Polygala" comes from the ancient Greek words "polys", meaning "much", and "gala", meaning "milk". This is in reference to the belief that the plant could increase milk yield in cattle.
Description
Polygala plants are generally small, with some species being shrubs and others being herbaceous perennials. They have simple, alternately arranged leaves and small, showy flowers that are often purple, pink, or white. The fruit is a small capsule containing two seeds.
Species
There are over 500 species of Polygala, some of the most notable include:
- Polygala chamaebuxus - Shrubby Milkwort
- Polygala myrtifolia - Myrtle-leaf Milkwort
- Polygala paucifolia - Gaywings or Fringed Polygala
- Polygala senega - Seneca Snakeroot
- Polygala tenuifolia - Chinese Senega or Yuan Zhi
Uses
Polygala plants have been used in traditional medicine for their purported health benefits. For example, Polygala tenuifolia is used in traditional Chinese medicine for its supposed calming effects and to promote mental clarity.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Polygala
- Wikipedia's article - Polygala
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