244B-2-Galium-leiocarpum-fl2-Peter-Kinchington.jpg

Galium leiocarpum

Maori Bedstraw

Prostrate tangled annual or perennial herb, often spreading from underground stems. Slender stems have few prickles facing down.

Additional information

  • SynonymGalium propinquum
  • FamilyRubiaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • SizeProstrate-20 cm x 0.5-1 m
  • Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
  • LeavesRings of 4 yellowish-green egg-shaped leaves 2-12 mm x 1-2.5 mm, unequal in length, margins rolled under.
  • Flower colourCreamy white
  • Flowering timeSeptember to December
  • FlowersClusters of 1-5 tiny flowers in leaf axils. Stalks on clusters to 6 mm, often curved, on individual flowers to 4 mm long.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsMoist soils in riparian forests. Shade.
  • Garden usePlant amongst thickets and dense scrub in moist positions around water areas.
  • Commercially availableNever
  • Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire
  • Related speciesGalium gaudiichaudii differs in having no rhizome, narrower leaves and almost stalkless flowers and flower clusters. It grows in drier sites.
Photographer/s: 1, 3 Marilyn Bull ©; 2 Peter Kinchington ©

Plant Communities

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  • 05 Mountain Ash Forest - Central Highlands (EVC 30)
  • 08 Mountain Grey Gum Damp Forest – Dandenongs (EVC 29)
  • 12 Manna Gum Riparian Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 18)
  • 13 Manna Gum Riparian Forest - Upper Yarra (EVC 18)
  • 15 Scented Paperbark Riparian Thicket - Middle & Upper Yarra (EVC 59)
  • 19 Long-leaf Box Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
  • 03 Narrow-leaf Peppermint Montane damp Forest (EVC 38)
  • 07 Mountain Grey Gum Damp Forest - Central Highlands (EVC 29)
  • 06 Mountain Ash Wet Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 30)
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