Polygala

Polygala is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Polygalaceae, commonly known as the milkworts. The genus is distributed worldwide, with a high diversity in tropical and temperate regions. Species within Polygala exhibit a wide range of growth habits, including herbaceous plants, shrubs, and small trees. The leaves are typically simple and arranged alternately, though some species may have opposite or whorled leaves.

The flowers of Polygala are a distinguishing feature. They are often zygomorphic, meaning they have bilateral symmetry, and typically have five sepals, two of which are often enlarged and petal-like, known as wings. The corolla is composed of three petals, with the lower petal often crested. The fruit is usually a capsule, which can be flattened or winged, and contains one to several seeds. Some species have seeds with caruncles, fleshy appendages that aid in dispersal by ants.

Polygala species have a long history of medicinal use in various cultures. Some have been used as expectorants, diuretics, and anti-inflammatory agents. The genus name itself, Polygala, derives from the Greek words "poly" meaning much and "gala" meaning milk, reflecting an ancient belief that certain species could increase milk production in livestock. While many species are not cultivated, a few are grown as ornamentals for their attractive flowers, and some have ecological importance as part of native flora.