Polygala myrtifolia L.
Sweet pea shrub (Polygala myrtifolia) is a long-lived, evergreen shrub or small tree that is native to South Africa. It was introduced to New Zealand as a garden ornamental and was first recorded in the wild (naturalised) in 1870. The plant grows up to about 4 metres tall and has narrow, leathery leaves arranged alternately along the stems. It flowers from spring to autumn, producing pink to purple, pea-like flowers with a prominent purple crest, which develop into flattened, winged seed capsules. It tolerates drought, wind, salt and poor soils. It reproduces by seed. Seeds are dispersed by gravity, water and human activities.
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