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Description
Polygala Alpestris, commonly known as Alpine milkwort or mountain milkwort, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Polygalaceae family. It is native to Europe and can be found in mountainous regions such as the Alps, Pyrenees, and Carpathians. The plant typically grows up to 30cm in height and has small, pink or purple flowers that bloom from June to September.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Polygalaceae |
| Genus | Polygala |
Appearance
Polygala Alpestris has a compact, bushy growth habit and can spread up to 45cm in width. Its stem is thin and woody at the base and herbaceous at the top. The leaves are oblong or lanceolate in shape, with a smooth texture and a glossy, dark green color. The flowers grow in dense spikes, and each flower has two large, petal-like sepals and three smaller petals.
Care Guide
Polygala Alpestris is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you care for your plant:- Water: Polygala Alpestris prefers moist soil, so water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Polygala Alpestris prefers well-draining, sandy soil with a neutral pH.- Sunlight: Polygala Alpestris prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Polygala Alpestris is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Polygala Alpestris is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent this, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Polygala Alpestris is native to Europe and can be found in mountainous regions such as the Alps, Pyrenees, and Carpathians. It grows in rocky or gravelly soil in open, sunny areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Polygala Alpestris a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Polygala Alpestris is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for.
Q: Can Polygala Alpestris be grown indoors?
A: No, Polygala Alpestris is best grown outdoors in full sun to partial shade.
Q: How often should I fertilize Polygala Alpestris?
A: Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Polygala Alpestris?
A: Polygala Alpestris is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Related Plants
– Polygala Amara- Polygala Chamaebuxus- Polygala Comosa- Polygala Myrtifolia
References
– “Polygala Alpestris.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c223.- “Polygala Alpestris.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/310408/Polygala-alpestris/Details.
