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 virgata commonly known as Purple Broom in English and Persboom or Bloukappie in Afrikaans is a charming slender and fast growing evergreen shrub up to 2.5 meters tall. This South African indigenous species grows in both the summer and winter rainfall regions which makes it an outstanding plant for any garden. It has long, narrow leaves and bears spikes of eye-catching purple magenta sweet pea-like winged flowers. It tends to be very upright growing and bare at the base of the stem. It is therefore best planted in groups to form an unusual but showy thicket. It grows best in well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. It easily tolerates dry conditions and is frost resistant once established. The flowering stems are used in the cut flower business and have a good vase-life.