Polygala virgata var. virgata

Polygala virgata var. virgata, the bloukappie (blue bonnet) in Afrikaans, produces these slender racemes of purple flowers in profusion during the last quarter of the year. The narrowly elliptical leaves are positioned alternately up the stems.

Growing wild mainly in the eastern parts of South Africa, it is also found in the southeast of the Western Cape. The photo was taken in Kirstenbosch during March.

The plant is browsed by livestock and game. Pollination involves a multitude of insect species, particularly bees and bumblebees. 

The other local varieties of P. virgata are var. speciosa and var. decora (Manning, 2009; https://pza.sanbi.org; www.zimbabweflora.co.zw).