Galium aparine

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Galium aparine

Galium aparine (pronunciation: /ˈɡeɪliəm əˈpærɪniː/), commonly known as Cleavers, Goosegrass, Catchweed, or Stickyweed, is a herbaceous annual plant of the family Rubiaceae. The name "Galium" is derived from the Greek word "gala", meaning milk, referring to the plant's use in curdling milk, while "aparine" is derived from the Greek "apairo" (to seize or grasp), referring to the plant's sticky nature.

Description

Galium aparine is a scrambling plant, growing up to 1-3 meters in height. It has slender, square stems covered in tiny, hooked hairs which enable it to cling to other plants and objects. The leaves are simple, lanceolate, and whorled, with 6-8 leaves per node. The flowers are small, white, and star-shaped, blooming from late spring to summer. The fruits are small, spherical, and covered in hooked bristles.

Distribution and Habitat

Galium aparine is native to a wide region of Europe, North Africa, and Asia. It has been introduced to North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, and other regions. It grows in a variety of habitats, including fields, gardens, hedgerows, and woodland areas.

Uses

Traditionally, Galium aparine has been used in herbal medicine for its diuretic, lymphatic, and detoxifying properties. It has also been used as a vegetable, and its seeds can be roasted to make a coffee substitute.

Related Terms

  • Rubiaceae: The family to which Galium aparine belongs.
  • Herbaceous: Describes a plant that has leaves and stems that die down at the end of the growing season to the soil level.
  • Annual plant: A plant that completes its life cycle, from germination to the production of seeds, within one year, and then dies.

External links

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