Family: Rubiaceae
Author: Desv.
Bibliography: Observ. Pl. Angers: 134 (1818)
Year: 1818
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Galium
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: NW. Africa, W. & S. Europe to Caucasus
Description
Slender marsh-bedstraw, scientifically known as Galium debile, is a fascinating plant that flourishes in a wide geographical range stretching from Northwestern Africa, through Western and Southern Europe, to the Caucasus region. First documented in the early 19th century, Galium debile was authoritatively classified in the literature “Observations on the Plants of Angers” in 1818 by the botanist Desv.
This member of the Rubiaceae family, often found in marshy environments, is particularly noted for its delicate and slender stature. The plant’s defining characteristics include its fine, wiry stems and small, narrow leaves arranged in whorls, typical of many species within the Galium genus. The marsh-bedstraw’s flowers are subtle, often requiring a discerning eye to appreciate their understated beauty. These blooms are usually white or greenish-white, blending seamlessly with the foliage and surrounding vegetation.
Ecologically, Galium debile occupies an important niche in wetland ecosystems. It is adapted to thrive in moist, often waterlogged soils where it contributes to the complex tapestry of plant life that supports a wide range of wildlife. This adaptability to marshy conditions makes it a critical component of its habitat, providing ground cover and aiding in the stabilization of soil in these often-fragile environments.
Beyond its ecological significance, slender marsh-bedstraw has cultural and historical importance. In regions where it is prevalent, it may have been used traditionally in herbal remedies or as a natural filler in bedding due to its soft, hay-like properties once dried. The plant’s historical botanical classification and continued study offer insights into the biodiversity and botanical richness of the regions it inhabits.
In summary, Galium debile, or slender marsh-bedstraw, is a subtle yet integral part of marshy habitats across a broad geographical area. Its ecological role, coupled with its historical significance, underscores the importance of preserving such species as part of our natural heritage.
Common Names
Eng: slender marsh-bedstraw
Ita: caglio debole
Fra: gaillet faible
En: Slender Marsh-bedstraw
Nl: Tenger Walstro
Fr: Gaillet Faible, Gaillet chétif, Gaillet allongé
De: Zartes Labkraut
It: Caglio debole
Synonyms
- Galium palustre var. constrictum ((Chaub.) Duby)
- Galium palustre var. humile ((Lange) Rouy)
- Galium fruticosum (Sieber ex Boiss.)
- Galium constrictum var. congestum ((Jord.) Nyman)
- Galium debile f. submersum (Glück)
- Galium debile f. terrestre (Glück)
- Galium elongatum subsp. debile ((Desv.) Batt.)
- Galium krymense (Pobed.)
- Galium aragonesii (Sennen)
- Galium constrictum (Chaub.)
- Galium constrictum var. rhiphaeum (Pau & Font Quer)
- Galium creticum (Boiss. & Heldr.)
- Galium congestum (Jord.)
- Galium constrictum var. debile ((Desv.) Nyman)
- Galium palustre var. elatius (Gaudin)
- Galium palustre subsp. constrictum ((Chaub.) Corb.)
- Galium constrictum var. riphaeum (Pau & Font Quer)
- Galium constrictum var. creticum ((Boiss. & Heldr.) Nyman)
- Galium debile var. congestum ((Jord.) Gren.)
- Galium debile var. humile (Lange)
- Galium palustre var. debile ((Desv.) Tinant)
- Galium palustre subsp. debile ((Desv.) Berher)
- Galium constrictum var. angustifolium (Pau)
- Galium palustre var. congestum ((Jord.) Rouy)
- Galium junceum (Heldr. ex Boiss.)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Algeria (native)
- Baleares (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Corse (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- France (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Greece (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kriti (native)
- Krym (native)
- Morocco (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Romania (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Spain (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- New Zealand North (introduced)
- New Zealand South (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken May 24, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2019 by Clotilde ROMERO-BESEGHER (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2019 by Clotilde ROMERO-BESEGHER (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Aug 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jun 9, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Marie-Claude HUSKEN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2004 by Tela Botanica − Augustin ROCHE (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 24, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2019 by Clotilde ROMERO-BESEGHER (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 24, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken May 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken May 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken May 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Taken Jul 1, 1877 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Bark
Taken Apr 11, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Marcel ETIENNE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 21, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Emmanuel STRATMAINS (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2913727)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:749807-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Galium debile Desv.)
