This little shrub ‘Polygala chamaebuxus’ is in a friend’s garden. Neither of us knew what to call it and couldn’t seem to find a reference to it anywhere. In the end, a visit to the garden centre seemed the quickest way to become better informed.

Polygala, a species of milkwort, is native to South Africa. The leaves are approximately two centimeters long and together form dense, creeping mats, making good ground cover. Flowers are abundant from late winter / early spring, depending on location.

Polygala buds are approximately one centimeter long, with bright yellow centre parts and pink to purple petals. When in full bloom, the upper petals stand up to resemble butterflies’ wings and look not unlike an orchid.

Polygala is also referred to as Fairy Tales, Pink Sweet Pea Shrub, Chaparral Pea, Fairy Lights and Shrubby Milkwort.

Exif Data
Focal Length: 4.1mm; Exposure Time: 1/30 sec; Flash: On;
F-Number: F/3.3; ISO: 125; Metering Mode: Matrix;