Galium aparine, Cleavers

Galium aparine, Cleavers is an annual member of the madder family, Rubiaceae, originating in western Eurasia and the Mediterranean region, now an adventive weed worldwide. Used since ancient times as a medicinal plant primarily as a diuretic for blader and kidney inflammation, edema; fresh herb a historical treatment for scurvy. Extracts have been shown to have potential antitumor activity and anti-inflammatory effects. The small hooked hairs on the leaves allow this plant to prop itself up on host plants and ratchet leaves into position for optimum photosynthesis.



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