Stickwilly facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Galium spurium |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Galium
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| Species: |
spurium
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| Synonyms | |
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Galium vaillantii DC. |
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Galium spurium, also known as stickwilly or false cleavers, is a common plant. It belongs to the Rubiaceae family. This plant is found in many parts of the world. You can see it in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Canada. It has also spread to Australia. In some places, it is considered a plant that grows where it is not wanted. People call these plants "noxious weeds."
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What Does False Cleavers Look Like?
This plant, Galium spurium, can grow up to 50 centimeters (about 20 inches) tall. It can stand straight up or lean on other plants. Its stems are square when you look at them closely.
The leaves of the false cleavers grow in groups. These groups are called whorls. Each whorl has 6 to 8 narrow, pointed leaves. The flowers are small. They grow in clusters. These clusters are called cymes or panicles. The flowers can be white or a yellowish-green color.
Different Kinds of False Cleavers
Scientists have found different types of Galium spurium. These types are called subspecies. A subspecies is a group of plants within a species. They are a bit different from each other. But they are still part of the same main species. As of 2014, three main subspecies are known:
Galium spurium subsp. africanum
This type of false cleavers grows in the mountains. You can find it in tropical and southern Africa. It also grows in places like Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Socotra.
Galium spurium subsp. ibicinum
This subspecies is found in parts of Asia. It grows in countries such as Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. You can also find it in Turkmenistan and Tajikistan.
Galium spurium subsp. spurium
This is the most common type. It is found in many places around the world. It is widespread across many continents.
