Asemeia grandiflora

Asemeia grandiflora (Walt.)

Synonym: Polygala grandiflora

Common Names: Milkwort, Showy Milkwort

Family: Polygalaceae

HabitAsemeia grandiflora grows as a branching pubescent perennial herb to 50 cm in height.  The lanceolate leaves are arranged alternately, to 5 cm in length, an acuminate leaf apex and entire margin.

The complete, perfect, zygomorphic flowers are arranged terminally and axillary in racemes.  The calyx has 5 green, fused at the base sepals, the upper with glands. The corolla has 5 pinkish purple and green petals with the lower 2 forming a keel with a yellow tip. There are 8 stamens located within the keel. The ovary is superior with 2 locules.  The fruit is a capsule at maturity that is oval in outline.

HabitatAsemeia grandiflora grows in open areas in Dry Broadleaf Evergreen Formation – Shrubland (coppice- scrubland), Pine Woodlands and in Human Altered environments (fields and yards).

DistributionAsemeia grandiflora occurs on the central and northern island groupings within the Lucayan Archipelago, Cuba, Hispaniola and the southern United States.

Medicinal/Cultural/Economic usageAsemeia grandiflora is not known to be used medicinally in the Lucayan Archipelago