Habit Polygala northropiana grows as an annual herb to 30 cm in height. The obovate to spathulate leaves are in open whorls (almost basal rosettes) 2 cm in length, an acute/mucronate or rounded leaf apex a slightly resolute margin. Leaves toward the plant apex becoming alternate and more lanceolate.
The perfect, complete, zygomorphic flowers are arranged in terminal racemes. The calyx has 5 green, fused, slightly pubescent at the base sepals. The corolla has 5 greenish white petals with the lower 2 forming a keel. The two side petals form the elliptic wings. There are 8 stamens located within the keel. The ovary is superior with 2 locules. The fruit is a capsule at maturity that is oblong to elliptic in outline.
Habitat: Polygala northropiana grows in wet areas along marl shore lines and in limestone areas around Sabal palmetto Woodlands
Distribution: Polygala northropiana is endemic to the Lucayan Archipelago occurring throughout the islands; primarily in the northern island groups.
Medicinal/Cultural/Economic usage: Polygala northropiana is not known to be used medicinally in the Bahamas.