How to Identify Rubiaceae
Rubiaceae is a plant family in the Plantae kingdom, order Gentianales, class Magnoliopsida. The family contains 535 accepted species worldwide. Some species in this family are toxic — exercise caution when handling unknown specimens.
Representative Rubiaceae Species
Galium catalinense A.Gray
Galium catalinense A.Gray
Galium catalinense, Santa Catalina Island bedstraw, is a California Channel Isla…
Psydrax dicoccos Gaertn.
Psydrax dicoccos Gaertn.
Psydrax dicoccos Gaertn., known as Ceylon box wood or malakafe, is an unarmed sm…
Psychotria serpens L.
Psychotria serpens L.
Creeping psychotria (Psychotria serpens) is a Rubiaceae liana often substituted …
Psychotria loniceroides Sieber ex DC.
Psychotria loniceroides Sieber ex DC.
Psychotria loniceroides is an Australian shrub with edible ripe fruits that may …
⚠️ Poisonous
Larsenaikia ochreata (F.Muell.) Tirveng.
Larsenaikia ochreata (F.Muell.) Tirveng.
Larsenaikia ochreata is a tree native to eastern Queensland, Australia, that gro…
Richardia grandiflora (Cham. & Schltdl.) Steud.
Richardia grandiflora (Cham. & Schltdl.) Steud.
Richardia grandiflora is a South American Rubiaceae species used as ground cover…
Diodia virginiana L.
Diodia virginiana L.
Diodia virginiana L. is a spreading perennial weed native to parts of the Americ…
Kelloggia galioides Torr.
Kelloggia galioides Torr.
Kelloggia galioides is a rhizomatous perennial herb native to coniferous forests…
Galium verum L.
Galium verum L.
Galium verum (lady's bedstraw) is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant with a …
Galium concinnum Torr. & A.Gray
Galium concinnum Torr. & A.Gray
Galium concinnum is a low, delicate perennial bedstraw native to central North A…
Galium album Mill.
Galium album Mill.
Galium album Mill. is a mostly hairless flowering plant native to a broad area f…
Galium kamtschaticum Steller ex Schult. & Schult.f.
Galium kamtschaticum Steller ex Schult. & Schult.f.
Galium kamtschaticum is a Rubiaceae plant species native to northeastern Asia an…
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you identify Rubiaceae?
Rubiaceae plants belong to the Gentianales order in the Plantae kingdom. Browse the 535 species gallery above for visual identification references. For instant identification, use the iNature app — AI-powered and works offline.
What are the key characteristics of Rubiaceae?
Rubiaceae is classified in the order Gentianales, class Magnoliopsida, phylum Tracheophyta. The family contains 535 accepted species worldwide.
⚠️ Are any Rubiaceae species poisonous?
Yes, some Rubiaceae species are toxic or poisonous. Always exercise caution with unknown specimens. View poisonous Rubiaceae species or browse the full poisonous species guide.
Sources: GBIF, iNaturalist, Wikipedia · Disclaimer
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