Nice milkwort (Polygala nicaeensis, Syn. Fl. Germ. Helv. 1: 92 (1835))

Family: Polygalaceae

Author: Risso ex W.D.J.Koch

Bibliography: Syn. Fl. Germ. Helv. 1: 92 (1835)

Year: 1835

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Polygala

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. France to NW. Italy

Description

Nice milkwort, scientifically known as Polygala nicaeensis, is a delicate and captivating plant species belonging to the Polygalaceae family. This plant was first described with the name and classification provided by Risso ex W.D.J.Koch, as noted in the seminal work “Syn. Fl. Germ. Helv. 1: 92” published in 1835.

Polygala nicaeensis can be found gracing the landscapes of Southeast France and Northwest Italy, regions known for their rich biodiversity and varied terrains. Aptly named Nice milkwort, this plant is a testament to the botanical richness of the Mediterranean basin, thriving in the unique climatic and geographical conditions of these areas.

The Nice milkwort is recognized for its modest yet elegant appearance, contributing soft, colorful touches to its natural habitat. Its flowers, typically arranged in delicate clusters, serve not only an aesthetic function but also play a crucial role in the local ecosystem. As a member of the Polygalaceae family, Nice milkwort shares some common traits with other milkworts, including its flower structure and growth habits, which have adapted superbly to the environments of SE. France and NW. Italy.

This botanical species highlights the diversity within the Polygala genus, showcasing the intricacies of plant evolution influenced by regional climatic conditions. The presence of Polygala nicaeensis adds significant value to the flora of its native areas, warranting further study and conservation efforts to ensure its continued survival amidst changing environmental factors.

In summary, Nice milkwort (Polygala nicaeensis) is a notable addition to the floristic tapestry of the Southeastern French and Northwestern Italian landscapes, embodying both beauty and ecological importance. Its historical documentation as early as 1835 underlines the long-standing interest and value placed on this species within the scientific community.

Common Names

Deu: nizza-kreuzblume, pannonisches kreuzblümchen
En: Nice Milkwort
Ca: Polígala mediterrània
Fr: Polygala de Nice, Polygale de Nice
De: Nizza-Kreuzblume, Pannonisches Kreuzblümchen
It: Poligala di Nizza

Synonyms

• Polygala rosea var. nicaeensis ((Risso ex W.D.J.Koch) Nyman)
• Polygala rosea subsp. nicaeensis ((Risso ex W.D.J.Koch) Gand.)
• Polygala vulgaris subsp. nicaeensis ((Risso ex W.D.J.Koch) Rouy)
• Polygala amblyptera var. nicaeensis ((Risso ex W.D.J.Koch) Steud.)
• Polygala amblyptera var. pubescens ((Loisel.) Rchb.)
• Polygala vulgaris f. vestita (Gren. ex Paol.)
• Polygala vulgaris var. nicaeensis ((Risso ex W.D.J.Koch) Paol.)
• Polygala vulgaris subsp. pubescens ((Loisel.) Gand.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 19, 2011 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2018 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2018 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2021 by Marie Clémence Lacave (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 22, 2020 by Aurélie D’huyvetter (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 17, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Michel GAU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2011 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 1994 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 1994 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 14, 2020 by Franco Colnago (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2018 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2019 by Sergio costantini (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 1994 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 2, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Aza ZURA (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 1995 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 1994 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:691923-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7293457)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Polygala nicaeensis Risso ex W.D.J.Koch)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 9.0

Ph minimum: 8.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 3

Soil nutriments: 2