Fringed Polygala, Gaywings - Polygala paucifolia " (Milkwort family - Polygalaceae) "
Fringed Polygala, Gaywings - Polygala paucifolia " (Milkwort family - Polygalaceae) " This is not an orchid although its flowers have crested lips. Also called Flowering Evergreen because of its broad evergreen leaves. A low, dainty flower with 2 flaring pink-purple wings (lateral sepals).
Petals united into a tube, with the lower one tipped with bushy fringe. 3 - 6 in. Damp rich woods. The generic name combines two Greek words, polys, meaning "much" and gala meaning "milk." At one time milkworts were eaten by nursing mothers and fed to dairy cattle in the belief that they increased milk production.
