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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Miami, Florida » Subtropical Horticulture Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #181610
Title: POLYGALA MYRTIFOLIA 'CHAPMAN FIELD', AN OUTSTANDING NEW SUBTROPICAL FLOWERING SHRUB

Author
item Meerow, Alan
item Ayala-Silva, Tomas

Submitted to: Ornamental Outlook
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/13/2005
Publication Date: 9/15/2005
Citation: Meerow, A.W., Ayala-Silva, T. 2005. Polygala myrtifolia 'Chapman Field', an outstanding new subtropical flowering shrub. Ornamental Outlook.

Interpretive Summary: We report on the release of P. myrtifolia ‘Chapman Field’, a superior seedling selection of an evergreen subtropical/tropical flowering shrub, through the National Germplasm System. It more compact and easier to propagate than other seedlings of the species. It is hardy throughout USDA Hardiness Zones 10 to 11 and flowers throughout the year in south Florida.

Technical Abstract: Polygala myrtifolia, Cape milkwort, is a showy evergreen shrub that ranges throughout South Africa in both winter and summer rainfall areas, occurring in diverse vegetation types and on many different soils. Flower color, mostly shades of purple, can also range from pink to white. It reaches a height of 1.25 to 2 m, and maintains a tight, spherical canopy and is reportedly hardy to 5o C. The plant produces an abundance of 2 to 3 cm long purple flowers from spring to autumn in most areas where it is grown, and year-round in South Florida. We report on the release of P. myrtifolia ‘Chapman Field’ through the National Germplasm System, a seedling selection that is superior in form and ease of propagation.