Botany and Ecology

Our Lady's Bedstraw

Galium verum

According to legend, this is what Our Lady placed into the manger of the Christ Child. It can also be used as a "vegetarian rennet" to curdle milk for cheese making.

Picture taken at the foot of Croagh Patrick, County Mayo. G. verum, also occurs in the Burren, which is strange since the ground here appears to be acidic, indicated by the presence of bell heather.

Also known as goosegrass.