Rubiaceae (Madder Family)

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Definitions

* Note: Additional common names: catchweed bedstraw, annual bedstraw, cleaverwort, goose grass, sticky willy, scarthgrass, white hedge, catchweed, beggergrass, gripgrass, clives, clithe, cliver, clider, goosebill, scratch grass, velcro plant, robin run over the hedge, gallio, pega pega, tangleweed, cheese rennet herb, etc.

* Stem: Weak plant, sprawling, tending to scramble over other vegetation, branched, quadrangular, with downward directed prickels on the angles.

* Flower: Whitish or greenish, 1-3, leaflike bracts extend beyond the flowers, 4 lobed, from axis of leaf whorls.  Fruit: with hooked bristles, 2 lobed burrs.

* Leaves: 6 - 8 in a whorl, linear to oblong, tips with bristles, backward directed bristles on the edges, 1 veined, rounded tip with sharp point.

* Habitat: Seashores, beaches, ditches, open forest, shady places, disturbed sites.

* Use: The young greens have been eaten as a potherb and are used in reducing diets. Has been used to curdle milk. The Belgian lace makers reputedly used the fruit as pin heads.  The Old English word clivers (cleaver) means "claws" perhaps referring to the fruit bristles or prickles on stem and leaves and the habit of this plant to cling.  Cleavers (one of the many common names) depend on other plants for support and cleave to clothes and passing animals.  Bedstraws are a member of the coffee family and can be used as a caffeine free coffee substitute.  The spherical burrs are collected when green, dried, roasted, and ground for use. G. aparine has been used in treating cancer and other tumors.  Externally galiums are used to soothe burns and on other skin sores.  Used to increase urine flow and as a wash to remove freckles.