A genus of flowering plants commonly known as bedstraw, found in temperate regions worldwide.
From Latin galium, possibly derived from Greek gala (milk), since some species were used to curdle milk. The plant was traditionally used as stuffing for mattresses and pillows.
Roman soldiers slept on beds stuffed with galium, and medieval people used it to curdle milk into cheese—one humble plant solved two major problems before we invented modern bedding and kitchen technology!
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