Polygala subuniflora is listed as Critically Endangered due to its highly restricted distribution, being found in one single location (all the localities are considered as one location because they are in very close proximity and face the same threats), with an area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occupancy (EOO) of 12 km², and furthermore, according to Kougioumoutzis et al. 2022 the species is anticipated to lose more than one quarter of its current range by 2050-2100.

This species is a Greek endemic restricted to the upper parts of the Styx valley on Mt Chelmos of N Peloponnisos Greece. (Phitos et al. 1995, Tan and Iatrou 2001).

It is inconspicuous when not flowering and thus believed for a long time to be extinct; it still occurs in small subpopulations (Tan and Iatrou 2001). The total population size is estimated as 150-250 mature individuals.

Polygala subuniflora is a perennial herb which grows on rocky, calcareous mountain slopes, usually hidden among tussocks of Festuca sp. and other grasses, at an altitude of 2,000-2,300 m. It flowers from July to August. Due to its small size, it may go unnoticed if not in flower (Phitos et al. 1995, Tan and Iatrou 2001).

Grazing and goat trampling are the recorded threats (M. Tsakiri personal observation).

Future threats are climate change and land use/land cover change (Kougioumoutzis et al. 2022).

Polygala subuniflora is anticipated to lose more than one quarter of its current range under climate change models (Kougioumoutzis et al. 2022).

Polygala subuniflora is included in the established, according to Greek law, National Park of Chelmos-Vouraikos and within the Protected Area “OROS CHELMOS KAI YDATA STYGOS” (GR2320002) of Natura 2000 network. The protection of the National Park and thus the protection of the species is under the jurisdiction of the Management Unit of Chelmos – Vouraikos National Park and Protected Areas of The Northern Peloponnese of the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (NECCA).

The species was included in a monitoring project entitled "Monitoring and Assessment of the Conservation Status of Habitat Types of Community Interest, as well as of the Plant Species of Community Interest Globularia stygia Orph. ex Boiss. and the other important narrow endemic and Greek endemic plant species in the area of responsibility of the former Management Body of Chelmos-Vouraikos (2015)" by the University of Patras in collaboration with the Management Unit.

The Management Unit of the Chelmos Vouraikos National Park and Protected Areas of Northern Peloponnese in collaboration with the Department of Biology of the University of Patras (Prof. Panitsa Maria is the Professor with scientific responsibility for the project), during the year 2022, created a network of Plant Micro-reserves within its area of ​​responsibility. Within the target-taxa selected for the establishment of the Micro-reserve network was the local endemic Polygala subuniflora. The purpose of the action (which is currently underway) is the establishment and operation of the Plant Micro-reserves including demarcation, placing of appropriate signals, monitoring using standardized protocols and the implementation of conservation measures within the Micro-reserves.