Contents
Description
Galium Tricornutum, commonly known as Three-horned Bedstraw or Three-horned Cleavers, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the family of Rubiaceae. It is native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa, but it can also be found in other parts of the world where it has been introduced. This plant is an annual or biennial that grows up to 60cm in height. Its stem is square-shaped, and its leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and arranged in whorls of six to eight around the stem. Galium Tricornutum blooms from June to August, producing small white or reddish flowers that are arranged in clusters.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Genus | Galium |
Appearance
Galium Tricornutum has a slender and branching stem that is square-shaped and covered in small hooked bristles that give it a rough texture. Its leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and arranged in whorls of six to eight around the stem. They are up to 3cm long and have a pointed tip. The flowers of Galium Tricornutum are small, white, or reddish and are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem. The fruit of this plant is a small nutlet that has three hooked spines that help it attach to other plants.
Care Guide
Galium Tricornutum is a relatively easy plant to care for. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, but it prefers a partially shaded area. This plant should be watered regularly, but not too much as it can be sensitive to overwatering. It can be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Galium Tricornutum is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Galium Tricornutum is generally free from pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to spider mites and aphids. These pests can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Overwatering can also lead to root rot, which can be prevented by allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Habitat
Galium Tricornutum is native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa, but it can also be found in other parts of the world where it has been introduced. It grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, and woodland edges. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Galium Tricornutum be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Galium Tricornutum can be grown indoors as long as it receives adequate sunlight and is planted in well-draining soil.
Q: Is Galium Tricornutum invasive?
A: No, Galium Tricornutum is not considered invasive, but it can self-seed and spread if it is not kept in check.
Q: Can Galium Tricornutum be used as a medicinal herb?
A: Yes, Galium Tricornutum has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including skin irritations and digestive issues.
Q: Can Galium Tricornutum be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Galium Tricornutum can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or summer.
Related Plants
- Galium aparine
- Galium odoratum
- Galium verum
- Galium mollugo
References
- “Galium Tricornutum (Three-horned Bedstraw).” Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Accessed 15 July 2021, https://www.rbge.org.uk/Plants/1112/Galium-Tricornutum.
- “Galium Tricornutum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, Accessed 15 July 2021, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278912&isprofile=0&.
- “Galium Tricornutum.” Plants for a Future, Accessed 15 July 2021, https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Galium+tricornutum.
