Status:
valid
Authors:
A.W.Benn.
Source:
tro
Year:
1879
Citation Micro:
J. Bot. 17: 172 (1879)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001254847
Common Names
- Polygala leucantha
- Leucantha Polygala
- Leucantha Fern
Description
Polygala leucantha (also called White-flowered Milkwort, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to the southeastern United States. It has a rosette of basal leaves and short stems with small, white flowers. It grows in dry, sandy soils and is often found in open woodlands and dry prairies.
Uses & Benefits
Polygala leucantha is used as a medicinal plant and as a source of food. It is also used in traditional ceremonies and rituals.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Polygala leucantha are white, with five petals and a yellow center. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings are small and thin, with a single stem and two small leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Polygala leucantha is a small shrub that grows up to 0.5m in height. It is best grown in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils. Propagation is by seed or cuttings.
Where to Find Polygala leucantha
Polygala leucantha is native to Mexico and can be found growing in dry, tropical forests.
Polygala leucantha FAQ
What is the scientific name of Polygala leucantha?
Polygala leucantha
What is the common name of Polygala leucantha?
White-flowered Milkwort
What is the natural habitat of Polygala leucantha?
Dry, sandy or rocky soils in open woodlands
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,