Galium murale (L.) All. (Medit., SW-Eur) – A very rare but possibly overlooked alien. In 1902 recorded as a wool alien in the valley of river Vesdre. More recently detected on several occasions in containers with olive trees from the Mediterranean in garden centers (Hoste & al. 2009). Since 2010 persisting between cobble stones in Hooglede. In 2014 at least two populations have been discovered in the city of Gent (foot of walls, pavement, etc., and apparently well-established). Although unmistakable, Galium murale is a very inconspicuous species and might easily pass unrecorded. It may well be more widespread, especially in urban areas.
With its cylindrical mericarps, yellowish green corollas in few-flowered inflorescences, Galium murale cannot be confused with any of the other Belgian representatives of the genus, native as well as introduced.
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Selected literature:
Hoste I., Verloove F., Nagels C., Andriessen L. & Lambinon J. (2009) De adventievenflora van in België ingevoerde mediterrane containerplanten. Dumortiera 97: 1-16. [available online at: http://www.botanicgarden.be/DUMORTIERA/DUM_97/Dum%2097_1-16_Mediterrane%20containerplanten_Hoste%20et%20al.pdf]