Description
Polygala tenuis (also called Slender Milkwort, among many other common names) is a perennial herb native to the United States, Mexico and Central America. It grows in dry, sandy soils and is often found in open woodlands and grasslands.
Uses & Benefits
Polygala tenuis is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, coughs, and digestive problems. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a source of food for livestock.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Polygala tenuis is a small, white, bell-shaped flower with five petals. The seed is a small, dark brown, oval-shaped seed. The seedling is a small, green, oval-shaped seedling with a single pair of leaves.
Where to Find Polygala tenuis
Polygala tenuis is native to Mexico and Guatemala. It can be found in wet montane forests and grasslands at elevations of 1,500-3,000 m.