Galium L.

Bedstraws

16 species in Aust. (11 native, 5 naturalized); all states and territories except NT

Perennial or annual herbs with quadrangular stems. Stipules leaf-like and with the leaves forming a whorl of 2–9 “leaves” at the nodes. “Leaves” sessile or subsessile. Flowers very small, in small axillary or terminal cymes. Calyx absent. Corolla white or yellow, rotate and with scarcely any tube; lobes 4, spreading. Anthers exserted. Style 2-lobed; stigma capitate. Fruit dry, indehiscent, 2-seeded, covered with bristles or hooks.