This annual plant with a broadly Mediterranean distribution is present in all regions of Italy, but is more frequent in Central and Southern Italy. It grows in dry grasslands and in openings of garrigue vegetation, from sea level to the lower montane belt. The species is sporadic on the edge of the Sardinian temporary ponds, in contact with dry grasslands and garrigue vegetation. The genus name derives from the Greek 'gala' (milk), which is also related to the Italian 'caglio' (rennet): different species were used to curdle milk in cheese-making; the species name refers to the city of Paris. Flowering period: April to June.

Italian name(s): Azzotta limba (Sardegna), Battilingua (Sardegna), Caglio sottile (Italia), Ciandelute (Friuli), Ciandeluzze (Friuli), Galium parisiense (Italia), Quaglia latte (Abruzzi, Larino).