Warty bedstraw (Galium verrucosum, Philos. Trans. 56: 251 (1767))

Family: Rubiaceae

Author: Huds.

Bibliography: Philos. Trans. 56: 251 (1767)

Year: 1767

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Galium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Medit.

Description

Warty bedstraw, known scientifically as Galium verrucosum, is a fascinating member of the Rubiaceae family. This botanical species was first documented in scientific literature as early as 1767, in a detailed account by Huds. published in the Philosophical Transactions.

Native to the Mediterranean region, warty bedstraw is adapted to thrive in environments characteristic of this part of the world. The plant is well-regarded for its distinctive features which contribute to various ecological systems within its native habitat.

Galium verrucosum typically exhibits growth patterns and physical traits that align with other members of its genus, yet it is distinguishable by its ‘warty’ appearance— a trait that likely contributes to its common name. Its leaves and stems often display small, raised bumps, providing an easily identifiable texture and appearance.

As part of the Rubiaceae family, warty bedstraw shares commonalities with other species within this diverse group of plants. Members of Rubiaceae are known for their versatility and have been studied extensively for their ecological roles and benefits.

Overall, the warty bedstraw serves as an excellent representation of Mediterranean flora, contributing to the biodiversity and ecological richness of its native region. Its presence in the scientific literature since the 18th century highlights its importance and the enduring interest in its study and conservation.

Common Names

Deu: anis-labkraut, warzen-labkraut
Eng: warty bedstraw, southern cleavers
Ces: svízel bradav
Hun: szemölcsös galaj*
Swe: vårtmåra
En: Warty bedstraw, Southern Cleavers
Ca: Rabosa, Rèvola berrugosa
Cs: Svízel bradavčitý, Svízel bradav
Fi: Nyppymatara
Fr: Gaillet à verrues, Gaillet anisé, Gaillet verruqueux
De: Anis-Labkraut, Warzen-Labkraut
He: דבקת הפטמות
Hu: Szemölcsös galaj*
It: Caglio verrucoso
Es: Hierba confitera
Sv: Vårtmåra

Synonyms

• Valantia granulata (Spreng.)
• Galium valantia (Weber)
• Galium vaillantii var. halophilum (Ponzo)
• Galium granulatum ((Spreng.) Roem. & Schult.)
• Rubia tricornis (Baill.)
• Valantia aparine (L.)
• Valantia saccharata ((All.) C.C.Gmel.)
• Galium saccharatum (All.)
• Valantia tricornis (Roth)
• Galium saccharatum var. pleianthum (Murb.)
• Galium verrucosum subsp. halophilum ((Ponzo) Lambinon)
• Galium tricorne (Stokes)
• Aparine tricornis (Fourr.)
• Galium verrucosum var. halophilum ((Ponzo) Natali & Jeanm.)
• Aparine verrucosa ((Huds.) Moench)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Austria (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Apr 19, 2020 by Kelly Kelly (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 18, 2020 by Carles Agustí Loncà (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2017 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 18, 2020 by Carles Agustí Loncà (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2022 by Gaynor Schild (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 1, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 31, 2020 by Corinne SAUTEREAU (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 14, 2021 by Ravi romarin (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 17, 2022 by Caw Vus (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

Taken Apr 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

© 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/2914754)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77177145-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Galium verrucosum Huds.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Bloom months: [‘mar’, ‘apr’, ‘may’]

Soil nutriments: 6