Flowers of the polygalaceae (milkwort) family are bilaterally symmetric, often resembling those of the pea family; they have five sepals (three outer and two inner, these latter often resembling the petals), and between three and five petals, usually three. There are usually eight stamens, though the number ranges range from two to ten. Plants may be trees, shrubs or herbs. Leaves are usually alternate, and cauline; basal leaves, if present, tend to be withered at the flowering time. Most of the over 50 US polygalaceae species are in the polygala genus, with smaller numbers in rhinotropis and hebecarpa.