Status:
valid
Authors:
R.A.Kerrigan
Source:
wcvp
Year:
2012
Citation Micro:
Austral. Syst. Bot. 25: 120 (2012)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001443298
Common Names
- Petrophila Polygala
- Petrophila Milkwort
- Petrophila Mountain-root
Description
Polygala petrophila (also called Rock Polygala, among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree native to South Africa. It has a dense, rounded crown and grows up to 8 m tall. Its leaves are simple, with entire margins and a glossy green upper surface. It grows in open woodlands and grasslands, and is drought and frost tolerant.
Uses & Benefits
Polygala petrophila is used as an ornamental plant, for erosion control, and as a source of food for livestock.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Polygala petrophila var. angustifolia R.A.Kerrigan
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Polygala petrophila has white flowers with yellow centers. Its seeds are small and black. The seedlings are small and have a single stem with small, oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Polygala petrophila is a small, evergreen shrub that can reach heights of up to 2m. It is tolerant of a range of soils, but prefers well-drained, sandy soils. Propagation is usually done through seed, which should be sown in a well-drained, sandy soil and kept moist until germination occurs. Once established, Polygala petrophila is drought tolerant and requires little maintenance.
Where to Find Polygala petrophila
Polygala petrophila is native to the temperate regions of South America, mainly in Brazil.
Polygala petrophila FAQ
What is the scientific name of Polygala petrophila?
Polygala petrophila
What is the common name of Polygala petrophila?
Petrophil Polygala
Where is Polygala petrophila found?
Central and South America
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
Raelee A. Kerrigan: Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'R.A.Kerrigan' in the authors string.