It seeds prolifically, with hundreds of seedlings successfully germinating from one small adult plant. Unfortunately, the plant is promoted and sold in most mainstream nurseries as it grows easily in most soil types, in full sun to semi-shade.

It's popped up (but under control) at the Belhaven foreshore reserve, and also appears on a massive scale on the temporarily closed section of the Alum Cliffs track, at the coastal end of the Shot Tower gully.

The name polygala is greek for the words: polys: much; gala: milk. The plant secretes a milky substance, hence its common name "milkwort".

Flowers: Mauve-coloured pea flowers appear in Spring.

Dispersal: Wind disperses the small, winged seeds capsules.

Impact: Left to spread, myrtleleaf milkwort will densely invade any sparsely vegetated areas.

Control: Easy to pull when seedlings are very young, otherwise cut and paste. Persistent follow-up required, as seeds remain viable in ground for .. years.