Rubia L.

Tutin, T. G., Heywood, V. H., Burges, N. A., Moore, D. M., Valentine, D. H., Walters, S. M. & Webb, D. A., 1976, Flora Europaea. Volume 4. Plantaginaceae to Compositae (and Rubiaceae), Cambridge University Press : 38

9. Rubia L. 1

Herbaceous or woody perennials. Leaves in whorls of 4-8, at least above, aculeolate on the margin and midrib beneath. Flowers in axillary cymes or panicles. Calyx minute or absent. Corolla with short tube and usually 5 lobes; stigmas capitate. Fruit fleshy, usually with only one, 1 -seeded, mericarp developing.

1 Anthers 0-5-0-6 mm, linear-oblong, 5-6 times as long as wide

4. tinctorum 1 Anthers 0-2-0-3 mm,orbicular-ovate to suborbicular,notmore

than twice as long as wide

2 Stems entirely herbaceous; lower leaves opposite 3. tatarica 2 Stems woody below and persistent; all leaves in whorls of 4-8

3 Cymes 4-10 cm, distinctly exceeding the leaves; corolla-lobes

2-3 mm 1. peregrina 3 Cymes 1-2 cm, shorter than or about equalling the leaves; corolla-lobes 3-5-4 mm 2. tenuifolia