Botanical Name: Galium triflorum
Family: Rubiaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Gentianales
Genus: Galium
Species: G. triflorum
Common Names: Fragrant Bedstraw, Cudweed, Sweet-scented bedstraw,
Habitat: Galium triflorum is native to northern Europe (Scandinavia, Switzerland, Russia, Baltic States), eastern Asia (Kamchatka, Japan, Korea, Guizhou, Sichuan, India, Nepal) and North America (from Alaska and Greenland south to Veracruz). It grows in moist woods near sea level, to moderate elevations in the mountains in Western N. America.
Description:
Galium triflorum is a perennial plant, growing to 0.6 m (2ft). The leaves are simple (i.e., lobed or unlobed but not separated into leaflets) There are three or more leaves per node along the stem. The edge of the leaf blade is entire (has no teeth or lobes) Flower petal color is green to brown and sometimes white. There are two or more ways to evenly divide the flower (the flower is radially symmetrical) Number of sepals, petals or tepals are four petals, sepals, or tepals in the flower and the petals or the sepals are fused into a cup or tube . Stamen number is four. Fruit is dry but does not split open when ripe. Fruit length is 1.5–2 mm.
The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile.
Cultivation: Prefers a loose moist leafy soil in some shade. Tolerates dry soils but the leaves quickly become scorched when growing in full sun. This species does not thrive in a hot climate.
Edible Uses: Leaves are eaten – raw or cooked. A tea is made from the flowering stems
Medicinal Uses:
An infusion of the plant has been used in the treatment of gallstones and kidney complaints. A poultice of the whole plant has been used to treat backaches in babies]. Both Asperuloside (a terpenoid) and Coumarin (a benzopyrone) occur in some species of Galium. Asperuloside can be converted into prostaglandins (hormone-like compounds that stimulate the uterus and affect blood vessels), making the genus of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry.
Other Uses:
A red dye is obtained from the root. The plant is aromatic. It has been crushed and used as a perfume, particularly by women. The aroma is given off as the plant dries. A poultice of the whole plant has been rubbed on the scalp to encourage hair growth. The plant is used as a stuffing material for mattresses etc
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galium_triflorum
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Galium+triflorum
https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/galium/triflorum/
