Polygala

Polygala is a large genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Polygalaceae, also known as the milkwort family. They are widespread throughout much of the world, with a concentration in the tropics and subtropics. The genus includes annual and perennial herbs, shrubs, and small trees.

Description

Polygala plants are characterized by their small, often brightly colored flowers. The flowers typically have three sepals and five petals, with the lower petal often being keel-shaped. The fruit is a capsule containing two seeds.

Taxonomy

The genus Polygala was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. The name is derived from the Greek words poly, meaning "many", and gala, meaning "milk", referring to the belief that the plant could increase milk production in cattle.

Species

There are over 500 species in the genus Polygala, including:

• Polygala amara
• Polygala chamaebuxus
• Polygala myrtifolia
• Polygala paucifolia
• Polygala senega
• Polygala tenuifolia
• Polygala vulgaris

Uses

Some species of Polygala are used in traditional medicine. For example, Polygala tenuifolia is used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is known as Yuan Zhi. Polygala senega is used by Native Americans to treat respiratory conditions.

See also

• List of Polygala species

References

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  Polygala vulgaris
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  Polygala amara
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  Polygala myrtifolia