Rubia peregrina L. subsp. longifolia (Poiret) O. Bolòs

Spice Flower In the field In the field 2

Family: RUBIACEAE

Genus: Rubia

Catalan common name: Esgarrallengües. Raspeta. Roja. Rotgeta.

Spanish common name: Rubia brava.

Province distribution: Alacant. Balearic Islands. Barcelona. Castelló. Girona. Tarragona. València.

Distribution in the islands: Mallorca. Menorca. Ibiza. Formentera. Cabrera. Dragonera.

General distribution (Phytogeography): Mediterranean

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Phanerophyte.

Habitats: Hedges. Wild olive trees and other sclerophyllous shrublands. Juniperus phoenicea subsp. turbinata forest. Tree heather maquis and silicolous garigues. Pine wood and shrubland with rosemary and thyme garigue. Rocky surfaces and dry stone walls. Walls, garriques and forest.

Characteristics: The leaves of the rotgeta are reunited in whorls, normally five or more, much longer and greener than those of Rubia angustifolia. The physiognomy resembles that of Galium aparine or other Galium species, but we distinguish this species from the rest by is leaves that are so leathery that they do not wilt after the palnt has been cut, and to the contrary, Galium species have very tender, light green leaves that wilt easily. Additionally, Rubia has fleshy fruits while those of Galium are dry. Flowering during May and June.