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Description
Polygala Mariana, also known as Maryland Milkwort or Pinebarren Milkwort, is a small herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Polygalaceae family. It is native to the eastern United States and can be found in pine savannas, sandhills, and other sandy habitats. The plant has a striking appearance with its bright pink to purple flowers that resemble a butterfly. It blooms from May to September and can grow up to 40 cm tall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Polygalaceae |
| Genus | Polygala |
Appearance
Polygala Mariana has a slender stem with narrow leaves that are arranged in a spiral pattern. The leaves are about 1-2 cm long and 0.2-0.4 cm wide. The flowers are the most distinctive feature of the plant, with their bright pink to purple color and butterfly-like shape. Each flower has two large petals that resemble wings and three smaller petals that form a lower lip. The flowers are about 0.8-1.5 cm long and appear in clusters.
Care Guide
Polygala Mariana is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can thrive in sandy soil and full sun. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season. However, make sure not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: Polygala Mariana prefers well-draining sandy soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.0.
Sunlight: This plant requires full sun to partial shade to thrive.
Hardiness Zones: Polygala Mariana can grow in USDA hardiness zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Polygala Mariana is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Insects such as aphids and spider mites may occasionally attack the plant, but they can be easily controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Polygala Mariana is native to the eastern United States and can be found in sandy habitats such as pine savannas, sandhills, and dunes. It is a common plant in Florida and Georgia but can also be found in other southeastern states such as South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Polygala Mariana be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Polygala Mariana can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant receives enough sunlight.
Q: How often should I fertilize Polygala Mariana?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Is Polygala Mariana deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Polygala Mariana is deer-resistant.
Q: Can Polygala Mariana tolerate drought?
A: Yes, Polygala Mariana can tolerate drought, but it is important to water the plant regularly during the growing season.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that belong to the Polygalaceae family:
- Polygala sanguinea
- Polygala paucifolia
- Polygala chamaebuxus
- Polygala nana
- Polygala senega
References
- USDA Plants Database: Polygala Mariana
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Polygala Mariana
- North Carolina State University Extension: Polygala Mariana
