Asperula conferta

Family Rubiaceae

Common Woodruff

Erect to decumbent perennial herb, with stems to 20 cm long.With branched tubular taproot, 2 mm diameter, 10 cm long. Can spread vegetatively by rhizomes. Longevity indefinite.

Flowers: White, September – November. Dioecious, with female and male flowers on separate plants.

Fruit: Black-brown fruit 3–4 mm long, December–January.

Seed: Not seen in woodland. Flowers possibly not pollinated.

Gallery images: seed, seedling, rootstock, resprout

Ecology

• Woodland and grassland habitats in full sun.
• Common in woodland and grassland at the Australian Botanic Garden.
• Resprouts after fire.