Island snake root
Polygala paniculata
Family: Polygalaceae
What it is like
A herb. It grows each year from seed. It grows 10-50 cm tall. The tap root is yellow and has a scent. The leaves are 1-2 cm long and 2-4 mm wide. They are in rings of 5. The flowers are small and white. They are in groups at the ends of branches that are 2-10 cm long. The fruit is oblong. The seed have dense white hairs.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows from sea level to 2,300 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Brazil, Central America, China, Nicaragua, Pacific, Panama, Samoa
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Leaves ?
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Namupululola