Polygala amarella explained

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

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

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

In media

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

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Magpie Bottom citation. Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. 18 February 2018.
  2. 1998 . Blaschek . W. . Hänsel . R. . Keller . K. . Reichling . J. . Rimpler . H. . Schneider . G. . Hagers Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis . 10.1007/978-3-642-58928-7.
  3. http://www.royalmail.com/portal/stamps/content1?catId=94600761&mediaId=96900759 Plants (Action for Species)