Rubiaceae

Bedstraws

From Streeter et al., (2016), 'Family key':

"Recognised by the narrow, sessile leaves in whorls of >=4 (actually 2 opposite leaves plus >=2 leaf-like stipules); flowers small, white or yellow, regular in compound inflorescences; sepals minute or absent; 4-5 petals, joined into a tube at base"

For the specimen(s) below, hover over image in gallery for description and select for a full screen preview.

ID: 039

Date: 11 Jun 2024

Locality: Calvert Jubilee nature reserve

Location (Lat/Long): 51.917, -1.002

Landscape/habitat: At the side of a bare ground footpath, amongst other vegetation/hedgerow. In a broadleaf woodland. 

Identification notes: I glimpsed this at the side of the path, I noticed the whorls of leaves and it was clear it was 'sticky'.

From Streeter et al. (2016, p. 450) description with my observations:

• Stems: 'Very rough, with numerous backward  directed prickles' (As shown in the photo gallery below)

• Leaves: '6-8 per whorl' (photos show 6 or 7 in a whorl), 'margins with backward-directed prickles' (as shown in the photos).  

• Fruits: '4-6mm, covered with hooked white  bristles' (as shown in the photos. I was pleased that I was able to see this character in the specimen I found).

Name: Cleavers, Goosegrass, Galium aparine

References

Streeter, D., Hart-Davies, C., Hardcastle, A., Cole, F. and Harper, L. (2016) Collins wild flower guide. Revised and updated 2nd edition. edn. London: William Collins.