I40 



COROLLIFLOR^E 



4. G. uliginosmn (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 steins 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. Mollngo (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 pricldes, which point forwards ; flowers white, in a loose 

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

 Scotland, rare in Ireland. — Fl. Jul}', 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 crucifdrm, smooth leaves and 



prickly fruit. Damp, rocky places in the north. 

 — Fl. July, August. Perennial. 



g. P. aparine (Goose Grass, Cleavers). — 

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

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

 axihary ; 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 

 Galium Aparine ^^ objectionable weed in gardens. — Fl. June to 

 (Goose Grais) August. Annual. 



