Asperula hirsute, Desf.

Tutin, T. G., Heywood, V. H., Burges, N. A., Moore, D. M., Valentine, D. H., Walters, S. M. & Webb, D. A., 1976, Flora Europaea. Volume 4. Plantaginaceae to Compositae (and Rubiaceae), Cambridge University Press : 11-12

44. A. hirsute Desf. , Fl. Atl. 1: 127 (1798).

Stems (10-)15-50 (-60) cm, erect, rigid, robust, branched, hairy below or often subglabrous; internodes usually more than 12, the upper distinctly longer. Leaves (10-) 12-20x(0-5-)0-8-l(-l-2) mm, lanceolate to linear, long-acuminate, thin, more or less hairy beneath, mostly subglabrous above, green when dry. Inflorescences usually with several long-pedunculate capitula. Corolla hypocrateriform, brownish-red to pale pink, shortly hairy or glabrous; tube 5-7(-9) mm; lobes 2-3(-4) mm, ovate, flat. Fruit (2-)3-4 mm, glabrous. In = 22, 44. Stony places and roadsides from the mediterranean to the montane zone. S. Spain, S. Portugal. HsLu.

A rather variable species, in which the relationship between morphological, cytological and eco-geographical differentiation is not yet understood.