Polygala Incarnata

Description

Polygala Incarnata is a flowering plant that belongs to the Polygalaceae family. It is native to North America, specifically the southeastern parts of the United States. The plant is also known by several common names, including Pink Milkwort, Purple Polygala, and Fringed Polygala.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Polygala Incarnata is a small herbaceous plant that grows up to 2 feet tall. It has green lanceolate leaves that are 1-3 inches long. The flowers are pink to lavender in color and appear in clusters at the top of the stems. The petals of the flowers are fringed, giving them a unique appearance. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer.

Care Guide

Polygala Incarnata is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips:

• Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
• Soil: Use well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
• Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
• Hardiness Zones: Polygala Incarnata is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Polygala Incarnata is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some issues to watch out for:

• Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves of the plant.
• Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap out of the plant, causing stunted growth and deformation.
• Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves.

Habitat

Polygala Incarnata is native to the southeastern parts of the United States, including Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. It grows in a variety of habitats, including pine woods, sandhills, and open fields.

Question and Answer

Here are some frequently asked questions about Polygala Incarnata:

Q: Is Polygala Incarnata poisonous?
A: No, Polygala Incarnata is not poisonous to humans or animals.

Q: Can Polygala Incarnata be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Polygala Incarnata can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough and have good drainage.

Q: How often should I fertilize Polygala Incarnata?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Q: When is the best time to plant Polygala Incarnata?
A: The best time to plant Polygala Incarnata is in the spring after the last frost.

Related Plants

• Polygala lutea
• Polygala paucifolia
• Polygala sanguinea
• Polygala senega

References

• “Polygala incarnata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 29 July 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j250>.
• “Polygala incarnata.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed 29 July 2021. <https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp656>.
• “Polygala incarnata – (L.)L.” Plants For A Future. Accessed 29 July 2021. <https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Polygala+incarnata>.