Polygala paucifolia
 
Fringed Milkwort

Flower Side, Both Large Lateral Sepals Removed

11.5 km North of Highway #3 on Fir River Road, West of Hudson Bay
02-June-2015

There are two large lateral sepals, two small lower sepals, and one small upper sepal.  The corolla is composed of two lateral petals and one lower median petal partially united in a tube.  The median petal is terminated with a fringed crest.  Both large lateral sepals have been removed from this flower.

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Paucifolia: Answers to key questions in Budd's Flora and Flora of Alberta leading to this species. 
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plants perennial; NOT [plants annual]

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leaves alternate; NOT [leaves whorled]

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flowers 1-4; NOT [flowers many]

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flowers showy, rose-purple; NOT [flowers white]

 

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Polygalaceae: Answers to key questions in Budd's Flora leading to this family.  One of the answers requires "calyx regular".  In fact, the calyx is highly irregular.  That item has been removed from the answers below. 
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herbs; NOT [shrubs or trees]

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plants terrestrial or semi-aquatic; NOT [plants aquatic, leaves submerged or floating]

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plants not with colored milky juice

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plants with more than one normal leaf

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some or all leaves alternate; NOT [leaves opposite, whorled, or basal]

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leaves without stipules, or having glands; NOT [leaves with stipules]

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flowers with two floral rings

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sepals 5, two large, colored and petal-like; NOT [sepals 2]

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flowers with each petal distinct from the others

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corolla irregular in shape; NOT [corolla regular in shape]

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petals 3; NOT [petals 4]

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stamens 10 or fewer; NOT [stamens usually more than 10]

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ovary superior; NOT [ovary inferior]

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carpels 1 or 2; NOT [carpels 3-5]