Milkwort
Polygala vulgaris
Family: Polygalaceae
What it is like
A bush that keeps growing from year to year. It is often a low plant. It grows 15 cm high and spreads 10 cm wide. The stem is erect and simple. The leaves at the base are fattened and oval and the ones on the stem are more narrow. The flowers are small and in dense racemes. The flowers are 5-8 mm long. They are blue, red or white. The wings have 3 veins.
It has anticancer properties.
Where it is found
It is a Mediterranean plant. It grows in grassy and stony places. It does best in a light to medium well-drained soil. It needs an open sunny position. It is resistant to frost and drought. Tasmania Herbarium.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Europe (country/location of origin), France, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, Portugal, Spain, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye
How it is used for food
The leaves have been added to green tea.
Edible parts
Leaves - tea
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or division.