Madder
by Chris, 21 October, 2011, 4 comments
The bedstraws (see previous blog) belong to the Rubiaceae - a family that embraces a number of climbing / scrambling plants. Another plant from this family is the wild madder (Rubia peregrina). This is a vigorous and evergreen perennial that may be found in hedgerows, and also at coastal locations as it is resistant to wind and salt spray.
Its stems have marked ridges / corners (these can be seen in featured photo) consequently these stems are rectangular in cross-section. They often bear numerous prickles; these prickles help them clamber up and over plants / branches in a hedgerow, not dis-similar to the bedstraws. Read more...
