140 



COROLLIFLOR^ 



4. G. uliginostim (Rough Marsh Bedstraw). Smaller than the 

 last ; leaves 6-8 in a whorl, narrow, tapering at both ends, bristle 

 pointed, their edges as well as the angles of the stem rough with 

 recurved prickles. The slender, brittle stems rarely exceed a foot 

 in length. Cymes of a few white flowers. 



5. G. saxitile (Heath Bedstraw). A small species, with numerous 

 dense panicles of white flowers ; leaves about 6 in a whorl, inversely 

 egg-shaped, pointed, the edges sometimes fringed with a few 

 prickles, which point forwards ; stem much branched, smooth, 

 prostrate below. Heathy places ; abundant. Fl. June to August. 

 Perennial. 



6. G. Mollugo (Hedge Bedstraw). Stem straggling, square, 

 sometimes swollen at the nodes ; leaves usually 8 in a whorl, oblong, 

 tapering at each end, with a bristly point, roughish at the edge 

 with weak prickles, which point forwards ; flowers white, in a loose 

 spreading panicle. Common in England, found in the south of 

 Scotland, rare in Ireland. Fl. July, August. Perennial. 



7. G. Anglicum (Wall Bedstraw). Somewhat resembles the last ; 

 stems about 6 inches in length, their edges rough with backward 

 pointing bristles ; leaves narrow, about 6 in a whorl, and edged 

 with forward pointing bristles ; flowers very small, whitish, the 

 lobes of the corolla blunt. Old walls, etc., on the south coast of 

 England; rare. Fl. June, July. Annual. 



8. G. boreale (Cross-leaved or Northern Bedstraw). Leaves 4 in 

 a whorl, 3-nerved, smooth ; stem erect, 6-18 inches in length ; 

 flowers white, in terminal panicles ; fruit rough, with hooked 

 prickles. Well distinguished by its cruciform, smooth leaves and 



prickly fruit. Damp, rocky places in the north. 

 Fl. July, August. Perennial. 



9. P. aparine (Goose Grass, Cleavers). 

 Leaves 6-8 in a whorl, very rough, with recurved 

 prickles ; flowers 2-3 together, greenish-white, 

 axillary ; fruit rough, with hooked prickles. 

 Well distinguished by its rough stems and 

 leaves, which cling to the fingers when touched. 

 The globular seed-vessels are also very tenacious, 

 and disperse themselves by clinging to the coat 

 of any animal which touches them ; hence they 

 derive their popular name of cleavers. The 

 whole plant is greedily devoured by geese. The 

 seeds, it is said, have been used as a substitute 

 for coffee. Hedges ; exceedingly common, and 

 lm Apai an objectionable weed in gardens. Fl. June to 



(Goose G*ass) August. Annual. 



