3-70 Polygalaceae, milkwort family

Marian C. Munro; Ruth E. Newell; Nicholas M. Hill

Authors

Marian C. Munro Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS
Ruth E. Newell E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Nicholas M. Hill Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Keywords:

Magnoliophyte, dicots, milkwort family, Polygala, milkwort

Abstract

Cosmopolitan in scope, there are about 750 species worldwide; two reach Nova Scotia. Ours are herbs with alternate or whorled leaves and clustered flowers, aggregated into racemes. Sepals number five, in two whorls. Outer three sepals are small, while the inner two are larger, resembling petals. Three petals are united to form a corolla tube. Lowermost petals are keeled, with a ciliate crest. Seeds are covered by a thick aril. Image use supplied by Chris Hawkins and David Mazerolle.

Author Biographies

Marian C. Munro, Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS

Curator of Botany (NSPM)

Ruth E. Newell, E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Curator of the E. C. Smith Herbarium (ACAD)

Nicholas M. Hill, Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Director; Adjunct Professor