Alpine milkwort (Polygala alpina, Nomencl. Bot. 1: 642 (1821))

Family: Polygalaceae

Author: Steud.

Bibliography: Nomencl. Bot. 1: 642 (1821)

Year: 1821

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Polygala

Vegetable: False

Observations: Pyrenees, W. & C. Alps

Description

Alpine milkwort, scientifically recognized as Polygala alpina, is a captivating species within the Polygalaceae family. This robust perennial is indigenous to the picturesque regions of the Pyrenees and the Western and Central Alps, where it thrives in the unique alpine climates.

First documented in 1821 by Steud. in “Nomencl. Bot. 1: 642,” Alpine milkwort has since captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. The plant typically flourishes in well-drained, rocky terrains and alpine meadows, adapting seamlessly to the cool, mountainous environments.

Alpine milkwort is distinguished by its compact, cushion-forming growth habit. It produces an array of vibrant, typically blue to violet flowers, which are instrumental in adding splashes of color to its high-altitude habitats. The flowers are not only visually striking, but they also play a vital role in the pollination activities of the local ecosystem, attracting a variety of pollinators such as bees.

Polygala alpina’s foliage is equally noteworthy, featuring small, lanceolate leaves arranged alternately along its stems. These leaves are well-adapted to the harsh climatic conditions of its native habitat, demonstrating the plant’s resilience and specialized evolutionary traits.

The significance of Alpine milkwort extends beyond its striking appearance. As a native species of its region, it contributes to the biodiversity and ecological balance of the alpine habitats. Furthermore, it holds potential for use in alpine and rock gardens, where it can be admired for its beauty and hardiness.

In summary, Polygala alpina, known commonly as Alpine milkwort, is a remarkable plant species that embodies the unique beauty and resilience of alpine flora. Its presence in the Pyrenees and the Western and Central Alps underscores its importance in the native plant communities of these regions, making it a valuable subject for both botanical study and horticultural appreciation.

Common Names

En: Alpine Milkwort
Ca: Polígala alpina
Nl: Alpenvleugeltjesbloem
Fr: Polygala des Alpes, Polygale des Alpes
De: Alpen-Kreuzblume
It: Poligala alpina
: Alpine milkwort

Synonyms

• Polygala ponsii (Sennen)
• Polygala alpina var. ansotana (P.Monts. & L.Villar)
• Polygala glacialis (Brügger)
• Polygala alpina subsp. somedana (M.Laínz)
• Polygala alpina var. bourgeana (Chodat)
• Polygala amara subsp. alpina ((Poir. ex DC.) Nyman)
• Polygala amara var. alpina (DC.)
• Polygala calcarea subsp. somedana ((M.Laínz) Penas)
• Polygala amara var. nivea ((Miégev.) Nyman)
• Polygala amara subsp. nivea ((Miégev.) Gand.)

Distribution

• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 24, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2015 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2019 by lucio Isabel (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2017 by Laurent Ledante (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 13, 2015 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 10, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2022 by Philippe Calfopoulos (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 14, 2021 by gege gege (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2019 by marlies schneider (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2021 by Sylvain Cardon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2020 by Clara Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2019 by Inthesky Lucy (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 25, 2020 by FlipLife (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7481031)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:691014-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Polygala alpina (DC.) Steud.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Soil nutriments: 2