92 FLOWERS OF LAKES, RIVERS, ETC. 



borne in the axils as well as terminally. The fruit is small, smooth, 

 and globular, and when ripe the fruit-stalks are turned back or at right 

 angles to the stem. 



The height varies from i to 2 ft. Flowers are found in July and 

 August. The plant is perennial, being a deciduous, herbaceous plant, 

 which is multiplied by division. 



The flowers are honeyed, proteranclrous, white, conspicuous, and 



numerous, and grow in 

 the open, rearing their 

 heads above the aquatic 

 herbage; and being 

 scented they are attract- 

 ive to insects, which are 

 able to cross - pollinate 

 them. Insects may fre- 

 quently carry pollen to 

 the stigma with their feet. 

 1 he stamens and pistil 

 are close together. The 

 capsules are smooth and 

 break off at the fruit - 

 stalks to fall around the 

 parent plant. 



This handsome Becl- 

 straw is a semi-aquatic and 

 a peat-loving plant, grow- 

 ing in moist peaty soil, 

 or in the silt of ditches 

 in which much vegetable 

 matter is distributed. 



If examined carefully it will often be found to be infested with a 

 little fungus, Puccinia gali-i, one of the cluster-cups. The same beetle, 

 moths, and fly that seek out the Heath Bedstraw as a food plant feed 

 on this one. 



The second Latin name refers to its habitat, a marsh. 

 The Bedstraws have been used for curdling milk. 

 ESSENTIAL SPECIFIC CHARACTERS: 



141. Galium palustre, L. Stem loose, straggly, rough, with re- 

 flexed prickles, leaves 6-8 in a whorl, linear-lanceolate, with bristle 

 point, rough margins, flowers in loose panicle, fruit-stalks at ricrht 

 angles, fruit smooth. 



Photo. Flatters & Garnett 



MARSH BKIXSTRAW (Galium palustre, L.) 



