Polygala is a large genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Polygalaceae. They are commonly known as milkworts or snakeroots. The genus is distributed widely throughout much of the world in temperate zones and the tropics. The genus name Polygala comes from the ancient Greek “much milk”, as the plant was thought to increase milk yields in cattle. Polygala includes annual and perennial plants, shrubs, vines, and trees. The roots often have a scent reminiscent of wintergreen. The leaf blades are generally undivided and smooth-edged, and are alternately arranged in most species. The inflorescence is a raceme or spike-like array of several flowers; the occasional species bears solitary flowers.

Polygala myrtifolia varies in form as it changes to adapt to the different areas it grows in, from the harshness of the coast to the drier inland climates. In KwaZulu-Natal Polygala myrtifolia is one of the many plants known for its antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal medicinal properties. Tests run by the University of Natal at Pietermaritzburg have found that aqueous extracts of Polygala myrtifolia showed activity against Candida albicans. Depending on where you plant Polygala myrtifolia it will reach from 60cm to 4 meters tall. Common names include September Bush, Augustusbossie, Blou-ertjieboom, Bloukeurboom, Langelede, Langelier, Septemberbos, Septemberbossie, Ulopesi and Umabala-bala.