Status:
valid
Authors:
Chodat
Source:
cmp
Year:
1914
Citation Micro:
Beibl. Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 115: 82 (1914)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000488229
Common Names
- Polygala trifurcata
- Three-Forked Milkwort
- Trifurcata Polygala
Description
Polygala trifurcata (also called 'Trifurcata Polygala', 'Trifurcata Milkwort' and 'Trifurcata Pea', among many other common names) is an herbaceous perennial plant native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. It grows in moist, shady areas and has long, slender stems with bright purple-blue flowers. The leaves are lanceolate and have a distinctive purple midrib.
Uses & Benefits
Polygala trifurcata has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of fever, inflammation, and skin diseases. It has also been used as an insect repellent and for the treatment of snakebites.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Polygala trifurcata is a small, tubular, yellow-greenish flower with five petals. The seed is a small, black, oval-shaped seed. The seedlings are small, thin, and have a bright green color.
Cultivation and Propagation
Polygala trifurcata is a perennial herb that can be propagated by seed or division. It is best grown in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. It can tolerate some drought but does best with regular watering. It is also tolerant of light frost.
Where to Find Polygala trifurcata
Polygala trifurcata is native to tropical Africa. It is found in humid forests and grasslands at elevations of 0–1,000 m.
Polygala trifurcata FAQ
What is the scientific name of Polygala trifurcata?
Polygala trifurcata
What is the common name of Polygala trifurcata?
Three-Forked Milkwort
What are the characteristics of Polygala trifurcata?
Polygala trifurcata is an evergreen, perennial shrub with a height of up to 1m. It has trifurcate, dark green leaves and produces small, pink flowers in the summer.
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,