Family: Polygalaceae  Genus: Polygala  

Species: Polygala alpina (DC.) Steud.
Common Name(s):  alpine milkwort, polygala alpestris

Polygala alpine, or alpine milkwort, is a species of flowering plant found in the alpine habitats of Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Georgia, Turkey and Switzerland. The plant is adapted to survive in harsh, high-altitude environments where many other plants struggle. It has developed several mechanisms to withstand the extreme conditions of alpine environments, such as producing antifreeze proteins to prevent cellular damage from freezing temperatures. In addition, it often forms symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi. These fungi help the plant absorb nutrients from the poor, rocky soil, while the plant provides the fungi with carbohydrates produced through photosynthesis. The plants striking blue or purple flowers have a characteristic “winged” appearance, which helps in attracting pollinators like bees.18

Etymology

The genus name Polygala comes from ancient Greek meaning “much milk,” as the plant was thought to increase milk yields in nursing cattle.19