Cleavers

Cleavers (also known as goosegrass or sticky willy) refers to the plant *Galium aparine*, a climbing or scrambling annual weed belonging to the bedstraw and coffee family, Rubiaceae. It's recognized by its unique characteristic: tiny hooked hairs on its stems and leaves, which allow it to cling to other plants and animals, aiding in its dispersal. The plant has small, inconspicuous flowers and produces small, spherical fruits that also stick. It's widespread across the world and can be found in diverse habitats, including gardens, fields, and woodlands.

Cleavers meaning with examples

• The farmer cursed the abundance of cleavers in his wheat field, knowing the tenacious weed would compete fiercely for resources and lower his yield. He sighed as he considered the endless hours to weed his crop.
• As Sarah walked through the meadow, her socks became covered in cleavers, demonstrating just how effective the plant's clinging mechanism is.
• The children delighted in sticking cleavers to each other's clothes, reveling in the plant's adhesive properties and the resulting humorous situation.
• Traditionally, cleavers have been used in folk medicine, particularly as a diuretic and to treat skin conditions; however, proper medical consultation is crucial.
• The gardener identified cleavers amongst his vegetable rows, realizing that diligent hand-weeding was necessary to prevent the rapid spread of this invasive species.