Family: Rubiaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 107 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Galium
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & S. Europe to Ukraine
Description
Waxy Bedstraw (Galium glaucum)
Waxy bedstraw, scientifically known as Galium glaucum, is a fascinating member of the Rubiaceae family. Describing its charm and significance, the plant was first documented in 1753, marking its recognition in botanical history.
The geographical distribution of waxy bedstraw is quite expansive, primarily flourishing across Central and Southern Europe. It extends its reach to the terrains of Ukraine, illustrating its adaptability to various landscapes and climates within these regions. The plant’s resilience and adaptability in diverse environmental conditions make it a subject of interest for botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.
Galium glaucum is notable for its distinctive waxy texture, a characteristic that not only contributes to its name but also enhances its visual appeal. The leaves and stems of the plant exhibit a glaucous (bluish-green or grayish-green) hue, giving it a frosted appearance that stands out in its natural habitat. This unique coloration is thought to contribute to its survival, as the waxy coating can potentially help the plant reduce water loss and reflect excessive sunlight.
Belonging to the Rubiaceae family, waxy bedstraw shares a lineage with a wide variety of other important plants. This diverse and large family includes not only flowering plants but also some of the economically significant species such as coffee. Recognizable for its small, delicate flowers that usually cluster together, Galium glaucum showcases the classic traits of its family through its floral structures and growth patterns.
In summary, waxy bedstraw (Galium glaucum) is not just a plant of aesthetic value but also an essential part of the broader ecological and botanical landscape in Europe and Ukraine. Its longstanding history, coupled with its remarkable adaptability and distinctive appearance, continues to capture the interest and admiration of botanical enthusiasts and researchers worldwide.
Common Names
Deu: blaugrünes labkraut
Dan: blågrøn snerre
Eng: waxy bedstraw, glaucous bedstraw
Swe: daggmåra, vahamatara
Fra: gaillet glauque
Fin: vahamatara
Nld: zeegroen walstro
En: Waxy bedstraw, Glaucous bedstraw
Da: Blågrøn snerre
Nl: Zeegroen walstro
Fi: Vahamatara
Fr: Gaillet glauque, Aspérule glauque
De: Blaugrünes Labkraut, Blaugrüner Waldmeister
It: Caglio glauco
Sv: Daggmåra, Vahamatara
Synonyms
- Asperula glauca ((L.) Besser)
- Asperula galioides var. glauca ((L.) Nyman)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Austria (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Italy (native)
- Krym (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Romania (native)
- Spain (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Poland (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Apr 27, 2021 by Ed Lehming (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 13, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 14, 2020 by S. S. (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 14, 2020 by S. S. (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 14, 2020 by S. S. (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 3, 2009 by EOL − Michael Kesl (public)
Taken Apr 17, 2014 by EOL − Michael Wunderli (cc-by)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 14, 2020 by S. S. (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 13, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken May 20, 2021 by Jean-Luc Durand (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 20, 2021 by Jean-Luc Durand (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 13, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 15, 2022 by Kate (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 20, 2022 by H L (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken May 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken May 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Fruit
Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken May 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:327111-2)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2914515)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Galium glaucum L.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb
Growth
Ph maximum: 9.0
Ph minimum: 8.0
Light: 8
Atmospheric humidity: 4
Soil nutriments: 2