Asperula laevigata L.

Spice Leaves In the field

Family: RUBIACEAE

Genus: Asperula

Catalan common name: Aspèrula llisa.

Spanish common name: Asperilla.

Province distribution: Balearic Islands.

Distribution in the islands: Mallorca. Menorca.

General distribution (Phytogeography): Mediterranean

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Hemicryptophyte.

Habitats: Oakforest. Non-saline wetlands (intermittent watercourses, streams, artesian wells, ditches). Humid soils.

Characteristics: This is an easily identifiable plant. It is more or less a climbing herb, soft to the touch, without hairs, which has, and this is the fundamental characteristic, its leaves in groups of four; they are broad leaves with an oval or rounded shape which are not rough to the touch. All the other species which have leaves grouped in whorls of four or more are rough to the touch or have a completely different leaf shape. The flowers are small, white and have petals united in a tube. It lives in shady places, often in forests or on their margins. It flowers in spring and at the beginning of summer.