Polygala is a genus which covers more than 500 species, all around the world. Polygala is an old Greek name from the words polys meaning much and gala meaning milk, the name given to this genus for some of its members which have the reputation for promoting the secretion of milk at human and some mammals. They include annuals, perennials and some shrubs. Two biggest sepal of pea like flowers are rose purple, petal like  and known as wings. The keel terminates in crown –like tuft that is characteristic of polygalas. They need light, well drained soil in a sunny or part shaded spot. They are suitable for pot culture. To keep the growt dence, prune any straggly stems after the main flowering has finished.

Myrtle-leaf milkworth is a common, widespread pioneer shrub with pretty mauve flowers on and off throughout the year with a peak in spring. The species name myrtifolia means myrtle-like leaves. Polygala myrtifolia varies in form as it changes to adapt to the different areas it grows in, from the harshness of the coast to the drier inland climates. An evergreen shrub, reach about 1,5–2,0 m in height with a few upright-growing stems and slender branches densely covered with leaves that resemble myrtle. The oval-shaped leaves are usually 25–50 mm long and up to 13 mm wide. The leaves are light green, dark green or slightly grey. Some forms of P. myrtifolia have thin, needle-like leaves. It can also grow into a small tree reaching almost 4 m high.

The buds are green, flat, marked with dark veins and oval to half-moon-shaped. The lower buds open first. The flowers are carried in small clusters at the ends of short branches and look a bit like legume (pea) flowers, but are actually quite different. Close inspection will reveal that although they have two wings and a keel, they lack the banner (also called standard) petal. The showy petals, beautifully marked with darker veins, are usually in shades of mauve or purple, but can also be pink scarlet, or white. Polygala myrtifolia has blooms throughout the year with a peak in spring when the plants flower profusely. The fruit is a small, winged capsule. Myrtle-leaf milkworth can easily be propagated from seed and tip cuttings preferably taken in spring and autumn

Use in landscape: Myrtle-leaf milkworth is an attractive evergreen shrub able to adapt to most gardens and gardeners. A tough shrub suitable for coastal gardens, low maintenance and water-wise gardens. In the new garden it is excellent as a fast growing windbreak, hedge and colourful shrub able to grow in most soil types from full sun to semi-shade. Its growth is a bit more lax, producing fewer flowers in the shade. As mentioned, there are different forms of Polygala myrtifolia. At Kirstenbosch a beautiful, white-flowering form called P. myrtifolia ‘White Feathers’ have been selected. Polygala myritifolia “bibi pink” is a small variety which is suitable o use as a container plant.