Polygaloides chamaebuxus

Polygaloides chamaebuxus, synonym Polygala chamaebuxus,[1] the shrubby milkwort, is an ornamental plant in the family Polygalaceae.[2] Its flowers are solitary or in pairs in the leaf axils. The inner two sepals, the wings, are upright and white to yellow, sometimes pinkish or purple. The keel petals are bright yellow, aging to brownish-red or purple. It is native to the Alps and the mountains of west-central Europe.[3][4] It was known to be grown in cultivation in about 1658 and was illustrated by Carolus Clusius.[4]

"Shrubby milkwort" redirects here. Shrubby milkwort may also refer to Polygala lindheimeri.

Polygaloides chamaebuxus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Polygalaceae
Genus: Polygaloides
Species:
P. chamaebuxus
Binomial name
Polygaloides chamaebuxus
(L.) O.Schwarz
Synonyms[1]
  • Chamaebuxus alpestris Spach
  • Chamaebuxus coriacea Opiz
  • Chamaebuxus polygaleoides Schur
  • Chamaebuxus vulgaris Schur
  • Polygala chamaebuxus L.
  • Tertria chamaebuxus (L.) Schrank

Several varieties are also cultivated, for garden use,[5] including the cultivar 'Grandiflora', whose flowers are purple-red and yellow.[4]

The plants are hardy,[5] forming low-lying clumps up to 6 inches (15 cm) high[4] and 20 inches (51 cm) in diameter.[5] They may be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in early in the growing season.[5] Some varieties grow best in ericaceous conditions.[5]

A pot of the commercially sold cultivar 'Grandiflora'

References
  1. "Polygaloides chamaebuxus (L.) O.Schwarz". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2020-04-11.
  2. Pink, A. (2004). Gardening for the Million. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.
  3. McNeill, T.G. (1968), "Polygala", in Tutin, T.G.; Heywood, V.H.; Burges, N.A.; Valentine, D.H.; Walters, S.M. & Webb, D.A. (eds.), Flora Europaea, Volume 2: Rosaceae to Umbelliferae, Cambridge University Press, p. 231ff., ISBN 978-0-521-06662-4
  4. "Plant of the Month: November 2008". St. Andrew's Botanic Garden. November 2008. Retrieved 26 February 2012.
  5. "Polygala chamaebuxus - Plant Profile and Growing Conditions". Nurseries Online UK. Retrieved 26 February 2012.
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