Chalk Milkwort (Polygala calcarea)
Description
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. The white anthers of the flowers may possibly be the source of the name milkwort. The specific epithet calcarea means "growing in lime", though this plant will grow in a range of soils. It prefers sharply drained conditions, and is suitable for cultivation in an alpine garden. The cultivar ‘Lillet‘ has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Taxonomic tree
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Domain: Eukarya
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Kingdom: Plantae
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Phylum:
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Class: Magnoliopsida
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Order: Fabales
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Family: Polygalaceae
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Genus: Polygala
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