Plant · GBIF taxon 3191402
Sweet Pea Shrub
Polygala myrtifoliaAlso known as Myrtle-Leaf Milkwort, September Bush, South African Milkwort
Myrtle-leaf milkwort produces vibrant, crest-tipped magenta flowers that closely resemble sweet pea blossoms throughout much of the year. Native to coastal regions of South Africa, this fast-growing shrub adapts easily to poor soils, salty winds, and drought conditions. Dense foliage and abundant nectar make it a valuable resource for local honeybees and butterflies in fynbos ecosystems.
EvergreenFlowering ShrubCoastal
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Photosynthesis
Predators
- Browsing Antelopes
- Garden Snails
- Caterpillars
ThreatsHabitat clearance, invasive species management
HabitatsCoastal dunes, fynbos scrub, forest margins, open grasslands
Life span10–20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderFabales
- FamilyPolygalaceae
- GenusPolygala
- SpeciesPolygala myrtifolia
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Contains saponins toxic to pets if ingested; observe from a safe distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Leaves and seeds contain saponins that cause mild gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if ingested in quantity.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for oval evergreen leaves and purple sweet-pea-like flowers with a small brush-like crest on the lower petal.
- What to do
- Wear gloves when pruning to avoid sap contact and keep pets from chewing foliage.
Responsible observation
- Pruning: Trim light foliage after main flowering flushes to maintain shape and encourage future blooms.
- Identification: Look for the characteristic tufted brush-like crest on the lower petal of the rich purple flowers.
- Garden Placement: Provide well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade for optimal flower production.
Image unavailableEcological Companion 
Close Relative (c) leandra-k_89, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by leandra-k_89 · cc-by-sa
Genus Relative (c) J Straka, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-byAlpine Relative
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