Polygala serpyllifolia – heath milkwort – was collected for the Darwin Tree of Life project by Dr Markus Ruhsam, down from the dam at Lochan na Lairige on Ben Lawers, on the 7th June 2022.
A native perennial of heaths and grassy places, Heath milkwort is known for its medicinal properties, with traditional uses including as a laxative and diuretic. The genus name, Polygala, combines the Greek “poly” (many) and “gala” (milk): another historical use for the plant is as a lactation aid.