Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Fabales
Genus:
Species:
abyssinica
ID:
484721

Status:
valid

Authors:
R.Br. ex Fresen.

Source:
cmp

Year:
1837

Citation Micro:
Mus. Senckenberg. 2: 273 (1837)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000484053

Common Names

  • Polygala Abyssinica
  • Abyssinica Polygala
  • Abyssinica's Polygala

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Synonyms

  • Polygala adoensis Hochst. ex A.Rich. [unknown]

Description

Polygala abyssinica (also called 'Abyssinian Milkwort', among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Africa. It has a rosette of leaves and a single stem with small purple flowers. It is found in open areas, such as meadows, and in moist areas, such as near streams and rivers.

Uses & Benefits

Polygala abyssinica is used as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage and showy flowers. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Polygala abyssinica var. subaphylla (O.Schwartz) J.R.I.Wood

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Polygala abyssinica is a small, white, tubular flower with five lobes. The seed is a small, dark brown nutlet. The seedlings are small, with a single pair of opposite leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Polygala abyssinica is a perennial shrub that can be propagated from seed or cuttings. It grows best in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Water regularly and fertilize in spring and summer. Prune as needed to maintain shape.

Where to Find Polygala abyssinica

Polygala abyssinica is native to Ethiopia.

Polygala abyssinica FAQ

What is the scientific name of Polygala abyssinica?

Polygala abyssinica

What are the common names of Polygala abyssinica?

Abyssinian Milkwort

What is the growth habit of Polygala abyssinica?

It is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial with a spreading habit.

Species in the Polygala genus

Polygala rostrata, Polygala rupestris, Polygala schinziana, Polygala savannarum, Polygala salasiana, Polygala saprophytica, Polygala santanderensis, Polygala sanariapoana, Polygala salviniana, Polygala sardoa, Polygala paludicola, Polygala oreotrephes, Polygala orbicularis, Polygala pallida, Polygala papuana, Polygala papilionacea, Polygala paniculata, Polygala omissa, Polygala northorpiana, Polygala afra, Polygala albida, Polygala adenophora, Polygala africana, Polygala anatolica, Polygala angolensis, Polygala alpestris, Polygala alpicola, Polygala alpina, Polygala amboniensis, Polygala amara, Polygala amarella, Polygala acarnanica, Polygala abyssinica, Polygala acicularis, Polygala cymosa, Polygala dasanensis, Polygala crista-galli, Polygala dhofarica, Polygala dispar, Polygala distans, Polygala declinata, Polygala dewevrei, Polygala classensii, Polygala comosa, Polygala citrina, Polygala costaricensis, Polygala corifolia, Polygala evolvulacea, Polygala exilis, Polygala exsquarrosa,

Species in the Polygalaceae family

Acanthocladus brasiliensis, Acanthocladus guayaquilensis, Acanthocladus moyanoi, Acanthocladus scleroxylon, Acanthocladus tehuelchum, Acanthocladus colombianus, Acanthocladus dukei, Acanthocladus pulcherrimus, Acanthocladus santosii, Acanthocladus dichromus, Ancylotropis insignis, Ancylotropis malmeana, Asemeia grandiflora, Asemeia ignatii, Asemeia ilheotica, Asemeia lindmaniana, Asemeia marquesiana, Asemeia martiana, Asemeia monninoides, Asemeia parietaria, Asemeia pohliana, Asemeia rhodoptera, Asemeia glabra, Asemeia hirsuta, Asemeia apopetala, Asemeia echinosperma, Asemeia hondurana, Asemeia securidaca, Asemeia sphaerospora, Asemeia tonsa, Asemeia acuminata, Asemeia extraaxillaris, Asemeia galmeri, Asemeia hebeclada, Asemeia mollis, Asemeia monticola, Asemeia ovata, Asemeia pseudohebeclada, Asemeia tobatiensis, Asemeia violacea, Asemeia floribunda, Atroxima afzeliana, Atroxima liberica, Badiera cubensis, Badiera fuertesii, Badiera oblongata, Badiera penaea, Badiera propinqua, Badiera virgata, Badiera subrhombifolia,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-2565906: Based on the initial data import
Robert Brown (1773-1858): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'R.Br.' in the authors string.
Georg Fresenius (1808-1866): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Fresen.' in the authors string.