Prickly Woodruff

Images ©:
©Asperula scoparia - Russell Best CC2.5, Asperula scoparia - Richard Hartland CC-BY

Asperula scoparia

Rhizomatous, loosely mat-forming herb to 30 cm high, stem densely and finely haired. Narrow leaves to 12 mm long in whorls of six, with a prominent midrib and a sharp tip. Few to several white flowers towards branch tip. Round blackish-brown fruit to 2.5 mm long.

Details
Flora Type
Herbs
Distinctive Features

Herb to 30 cm with leaves in whorls of six from stem with sharp-pointed tips.

Biology

Perennial. Widespread but only occasionally found. Often more erect on rocky sites and scrambling in moister, shadier sites.

Native Status
Native
Flowering Time

Sep-Dec

Taxonomy
Phylum
Tracheophyta (Vascular Plants)
Class
Magnoliopsida (Flowering Plants)
Order
Gentianales
Family
Rubiaceae
Genus
Asperula
Species
scoparia

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

From the Latin asper = rough, referring to the rough stems in most species. Has male and female flowers, which occur on separate plants.

Interesting Facts
Similar Species

Similar to Common Woodruff A. conferta but with pointed leaf tips, hairy stems and a rougher texture.

Native Status
Native