Polygala scabra

Polygala scabra, previously scientifically known as P. affinis, is a single-stemmed shrublet reaching heights from 15 cm to 40 cm.

The simple leaves are subopposite and stalkless, narrowly ovate, lanceolate to linear, often curving down to their tips. The margins are rolled under, the midribs sunken on the upper surfaces. The variably green blades are finely hairy and rough-surfaced.

The specific name, scabra, is derived from the Latin word scaber meaning rough, referring to the leaf surfaces and the young stems.

Leaf dimensions are up to 10 mm long and 3 mm wide.

The pink purple to magenta flowers are scattered in clusters along the branches. The outer sepals are hairy. Flower diameter is about 10 mm. Flowering happens from around midwinter to after midspring.

The species distribution is in the Northern Cape from southern Namaqualand to the Western Cape around Stellenbosch and eastwards to Uniondale. The photo was taken in the Little Karoo at Minwater near Oudtshoorn.

The habitat is renosterveld, rocky scrub flats and slopes where the soils are clayey. The species is not considered threatened in habitat early in the twenty first century.

The plant is highly palatable and much browsed by game and stock (Curtis-Scott, et al, 2020; Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Bond and Goldblatt, 1984; iNaturalist; http://redlist.sanbi.org).