Calicotome spinosa

Calicotome spinosa
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Fabales
Family:	Fabaceae
Genus:	Calicotome
Species:	C. spinosa
Binomial name
Calicotome spinosa (L.) Link

Calicotome spinosa (known as thorny broom or spiny broom) is a very spiny, densely branched shrub of the legume family Fabaceae which can reach up to three metres in height. It grows in the Western Mediterranean region on sunny slopes and dry, rocky ground. It is found in Spain, France, Italy, Croatia and Algeria and has been introduced to New Zealand. From March to June it produces bright yellow flowers which are borne singly or in small clusters. The seed-pods are 30mm long and are almost hairless, unlike those of the similar species Calicotome villosa.

References

• David Burnie (1995) Wild Flowers of the Mediterranean. ISBN 0-7513-2761-1
• Oleg Polunin & B. E. Smythies (1973) Flowers of South-West Europe:a field guide. ISBN 0-19-217625-0
• T. G. Tutin et al. (1968) Flora Europaea, Volume 2. ISBN 0-521-06662-X