Scientific
classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Gentianales
Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Galium
Species: G.
boreale
Binomial
name: Galium boreale L. 1753
Other
Names: Northern bedstraw
Special feature: G. boreale is a perennial plant that
dies back to the ground every winter. Established plants spread by rhizomes,
creating colonies of new plants around the original one
The
squarish unbranched stems may grow between 20 centimetres (7.9 in) and 50
centimetres (20 in) tall. The leaves are attached directly to the stem in
groups of four; spaced evenly like the spokes of a wheel. Leaves are longer
than they are wide and have three prominent veins.
The small
white flowers grow in fairly showy panicles from the top of the stem. Each
individual flower has 4 pointed segments that fold back from a fused tube
enclosing the stamens and pistil. The lightly perfumed flowers have no calyx.
Seeds are formed in pairs in dark fruits that may be covered in short hairs.
Gallium boreale is
edible, with a sweet smell and taste, and can be eaten as a wild salad green. (Source:
Wikipedia)
Identified by: Debasis
Chattopadhyay
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