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Polygala amarella

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Dwarf milkwort
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Polygalaceae
Genus: Polygala
Species:
P. amarella
Binomial name
Polygala amarella

Polygala amarella (or P. amara), commonly known as dwarf milkwort or Kentish milkwort,[1] is a plant of the family Polygalaceae. A European native, it grows on chalky grass land and limestone mountain pastures.

Description

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The plant typically grows up to 20 cm tall and has small, blue-purple flowers that bloom from May to August. The leaves are alternate, narrow, and smooth-edged, and the stems are slender and wiry.

Uses

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Polygala amarella has traditionally been used in herbal medicine.[2]

In media

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In 2009 it featured on a first class Royal Mail stamp in the series "Endangered Plants".[3]

References

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  1. ^ "Magpie Bottom citation" (PDF). Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 18 February 2018.
  2. ^ Blaschek, W.; Hänsel, R.; Keller, K.; Reichling, J.; Rimpler, H.; Schneider, G., eds. (1998). "Hagers Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis". doi:10.1007/978-3-642-58928-7. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  3. ^ Plants (Action for Species) Archived 2011-06-08 at the Wayback Machine