Asperula asthenes

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Asperula asthenes
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Asperula
Species:
A. asthenes
Binomial name
Asperula asthenes

Asperula asthenes is a species of flowering plant in the family Rubiaceae, known as trailing woodruff, and is endemic to the east coast of New South Wales, Australia

Description[edit]

This is a low perennial herb. Leaves are arranged in whorls of four around the stem. The flowers are small, white and star-shaped; fruit are tiny and two-lobed, 1 mm in length.[1]

Distribution[edit]

The species occurs in New South Wales only, growing in damp areas mainly along river banks. Reported locations are the Central Coast north to near Kempsey, and the Port Stephens, Wallis Lake and Forster area.[1]

Threats[edit]

The species is under threat from herbicide use, invasive weed species, and disturbance from stock grazing. Water table raising to reduce acid sulphate discharge may be potentially be detrimental.[1]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d "Trailing Woodruff - profile | NSW Environment, Energy and Science". www.environment.nsw.gov.au.
  2. ^ "Asperula asthenes". World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Retrieved 24 March 2022.