How to Identify Polygalaceae

Polygalaceae is a plant family in the Plantae kingdom, order Fabales, class Magnoliopsida. The family contains 95 accepted species worldwide. Some species in this family are toxic — exercise caution when handling unknown specimens.

Key Identification Features

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Representative Polygalaceae Species

How to identify Comesperma calymega Labill.

Comesperma calymega Labill.

Comesperma calymega Labill.

Comesperma calymega (blue-spike milkwort) is a perennial polygalaceous herb nati…

How to identify Polygala alpestris Rchb.

Polygala alpestris Rchb.

Polygala alpestris Rchb.

Polygala alpestris Rchb. is a flowering milkwort plant species described in 1823…

How to identify Polygala umbellata L.

Polygala umbellata L.

Polygala umbellata L.

Polygala umbellata is a flowering plant in the milkwort family, endemic to South…

How to identify Rhinotropis californica (Nutt.) J.R.Abbott

Rhinotropis californica (Nutt.) J.R.Abbott

Rhinotropis californica (Nutt.) J.R.Abbott

Rhinotropis californica, or California milkwort, is a milkwort family flowering …

How to identify Comesperma volubile Labill.

Comesperma volubile Labill.

Comesperma volubile Labill.

Comesperma volubile (love creeper) is a mostly twining Australian creeper that f…

How to identify Comesperma ericinum DC.

Comesperma ericinum DC.

Comesperma ericinum DC.

Comesperma ericinum is a slender Polygalaceae shrub native to multiple Australia…

How to identify Polygala myrtifolia L.

Polygala myrtifolia L.

Polygala myrtifolia L.

Polygala myrtifolia is an evergreen South African shrub often cultivated for its…

How to identify Polygala nicaeensis Risso ex W.D.J.Koch

Polygala nicaeensis Risso ex W.D.J.Koch

Polygala nicaeensis Risso ex W.D.J.Koch

Polygala nicaeensis is a perennial flowering plant in the milkwort family native…

How to identify Salomonia cantoniensis Lour.

Salomonia cantoniensis Lour.

Salomonia cantoniensis Lour.

Salomonia cantoniensis is an annual erect flowering herb in the Polygalaceae fam…

How to identify Rhinotropis subspinosa (S.Watson) J.R.Abbott

Rhinotropis subspinosa (S.Watson) J.R.Abbott

Rhinotropis subspinosa (S.Watson) J.R.Abbott

Spiny milkwort, or Rhinotropis subspinosa, is a flowering milkwort plant native …

How to identify Polygala comosa subsp. comosa

Polygala comosa subsp. comosa

Polygala comosa subsp. comosa

Polygala comosa is a flowering plant in Polygalaceae, native to a wide range of …

How to identify Polygala japonica Houtt.

Polygala japonica Houtt.

Polygala japonica Houtt.

Polygala japonica is a dwarf flowering shrub in the milkwort family, native to p…

Browse all 95 Polygalaceae species →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you identify Polygalaceae?

Polygalaceae plants belong to the Fabales order in the Plantae kingdom. The sepals are distinct; the outer three sepals are broadly oval-shaped, about 2 mm (0. For instant identification, use the iNature app — AI-powered and works offline.

What are the key characteristics of Polygalaceae?

Polygalaceae is classified in the order Fabales, class Magnoliopsida, phylum Tracheophyta. The family contains 95 accepted species worldwide.

⚠️ Are any Polygalaceae species poisonous?

Yes, some Polygalaceae species are toxic or poisonous. Always exercise caution with unknown specimens. View poisonous Polygalaceae species or browse the full poisonous species guide.

Sources: GBIF, iNaturalist, Wikipedia · Disclaimer

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