306 



places, common. Smaller than the last, the stem being 

 rarely more than a foot high, slender and brittle ; 

 panicles of few flowers. Fl. July, August. Perennial. 



6. G. saxdtile (Heath Bed-straw). Leaves about 6 

 in a whorl, inversely egg-shaped, pointed ; stem much 

 branched, smooth, prostrate below. Heathy places, 

 abundant. A small species, with numerous dense 

 panicles of white flowers. The edges of the leaves are 

 sometimes fringed with a few prickles, which point 

 forwards. This and G. verum are the only British 

 species which can be called ornamental. FL June 

 August. Perennial. 



* Besides the above, seven or eight other species 

 belonging to this group have been described by British 

 botanists ; they are, however, of rare occurrence, with 

 the exception of G. tricorne, which is tolerably common 

 in some of the English counties, and in the Isle of 

 Wight. The stems of this species are about a foot long, 

 and rough, as well as the leaves, with prickles pointing 

 backwards ; the flowers grow in threes, and the fruit is 

 reflexed. 



ft Fruit rough. 



7. G. Aparine (Goose Grass, Cleavers). Leaves 8 

 in a whorl, very rough with prickles pointing back- 

 wards ; flowers 2 3 together, axillary ; fruit rough 

 with hooked prickles. Hedges, exceedingly common. 

 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 that touches them ; 

 hence they derive their popular name of cleavers. The 

 whole plant, when green, is greedily devoured by geese. 

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

 Coffee. FL June August. Annual. 



8. G. boredle (Cross-leaved Bed-straw).^ Leaves 4 in 

 a whorl, 3-nerved, smooth ; stem erect ; fruit rough with 

 hooked prickles. Damp rocky places in the North. 



