Round-leaved bedstraw (Galium rotundifolium, Sp. Pl.: 108 (1753))

Family: Rubiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 108 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Galium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Morocco, Europe to Vietnam, N. Borneo, Jawa

Description

Round-leaved bedstraw, scientifically known as Galium rotundifolium, is a fascinating and widespread plant species belonging to the Rubiaceae family. This plant was first described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his work “Species Plantarum” published in 1753.

Galium rotundifolium is recognized by its distinctive round leaves that set it apart from other members of the bedstraw family. The plant thrives in a variety of regions, ranging from the majestic landscapes of Morocco and the diverse ecosystems of Europe to the lush terrains of Vietnam, North Borneo, and Jawa. This broad distribution highlights the plant’s adaptability to different climates and environmental conditions.

The round-leaved bedstraw can often be found in woodlands and along forest margins, where it forms part of the understory vegetation. The plant’s stems are typically slender and may climb or sprawl over the ground. Its foliage comprises small, rounded leaves that grow in whorls along the stem. These leaves are not just aesthetically pleasing but also play a critical role in the plant’s survival, as they efficiently capture sunlight for photosynthesis.

Flowering in the summer months, Galium rotundifolium produces tiny, delicate white flowers. These blooms attract various pollinators, contributing to the biodiversity of their habitats. After pollination, the plant forms small fruits that aid in its reproductive cycle, ensuring the continued spread of this species across its vast range.

Aside from its ecological role, round-leaved bedstraw has historical significance in herbal medicine and various traditional practices. However, its primary charm lies in its simplicity and resilience, making it a subtle yet vital component of the flora in many regions around the world.

Common Names

Dan: rundbladet snerre
Deu: rundblättriges labkraut
Swe: gotlandsmåra, rundmåra
Nob: rundmaure
Nno: rundmaure
En: Round-leaved Bedstraw
Bg: Кръглолистно еньовче
Ca: Espunyidella rotundifòlia
Cs: Svízel okrouhlolistý
Da: Rundbladet snerre
Fi: Gotlanninmatara
Fr: Gaillet à feuilles rondes
De: Rundblatt-Labkraut, Rundblättriges Labkraut
It: Caglio a foglie rotonde
Nb: Rundmaure
Nn: Rundmaure
Pl: Przytulia okrągłolistna
Sv: Gotlandsmåra, Rundmåra
: Round-leaved bedstraw

Synonyms

• Galium rotundifolium var. decipiens (Nyman)
• Galium rotundifolium var. eurotundifolium (Maire)
• Galium linckii (J.F.Gmel.)
• Asperula laevigata var. rotundifolia ((L.) J.F.Gmel.)
• Trichogalium rotundifolium ((L.) Fourr.)
• Galium rotundifolium var. batallae (O.Bolòs & Vigo)
• Galium rotundifolium subsp. hirsutum ((Ten.) Brullo, Scelsi & Spamp.)
• Galium rotundum (Thunb.)
• Galium rotundifolium f. glabratum (Bolzon)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Assam (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• India (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Netherlands (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 19, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2022 by Giovanni Vannacci (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2021 by Darla Gervais (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 1997 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2022 by Giovanni Vannacci (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2022 by Giovanni Vannacci (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 16, 2022 by lore petit (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2021 by Fabi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2020 by Werner Rom (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 1997 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 1997 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 29, 2022 by Erik Ketting (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2914110)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:750546-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Galium rotundifolium L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 5.5

Light: 4

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 4