Polygala calcarea, the chalk milkwort, is a species of flowering plant in the family Polygalaceae, native to western Europe. It is a delicate mat-forming evergreen perennial growing to 5 cm (2 in) tall by 20 cm (8 in) broad, with spikes of small, vivid deep blue flowers in spring, and leathery, oval leaves.[1]
| Polygala calcarea | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Polygalaceae |
| Genus: | Polygala |
| Species: | P. calcarea
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| Binomial name | |
| Polygala calcarea | |
Etymology
editThe specific epithet calcarea means "growing in lime", though this plant will grow in a range of soils.[2]
Cultivation
editIt prefers sharply drained conditions, and is suitable for cultivation in an alpine garden.
Cultivars
editThe cultivar 'Lillet' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[3][4]
References
edit- ^ RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 1405332964.
- ^ Harrison, Lorraine (2012). RHS Latin for gardeners. United Kingdom: Mitchell Beazley. p. 224. ISBN 9781845337315.
- ^ "RHS Plantfinder - Polygala calcarea 'Lillet'". Retrieved 7 May 2018.
- ^ "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 80. Retrieved 7 May 2018.