Polygala ramosa Ell. - Low Pinebarren Milkwort
Family - Polygalaceae
Stems:
Leaves:
Inflorescence:
N/A
Flowers:
Flowering - June - November.
Habitat - Flatwoods, bogs, savannahs, coastal strands.
Origin - Native to North America.
Other information - This species can be found in the southern most Alabama counties. The plant can be identified by its basal rosette of spatulate leaves, glabrous stems, and many yellow flowers. The stems grow to about 30cm tall.
The genus name Polygala derives from the Greek "poly" meaning "much" or "many" and "gala" meaning "milk". This name was given by Dioscorides to a low shrub which was believed to improve lactation.
The species epithet ramosa derives from the Latin "ram(o)" meaning "a branch" referring to the much-branched inflorescence.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken at Conecuh National Forest, AL., 10-24-05.