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 ericifolia, commonly known as Heathleaf Butterflybush, is a South African endemic perennial flowering shrublet found in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces, often growing amongst fynbos, occurring on sandy coastal slopes and flats. Flowering occurs mid-winter through to the start of summer. It is an attractive, small shrub that grows up to 30cm in height. The numerous straight stems are covered with very narrow leaves and are topped with a head of small pink flowers.