Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link

Spice Flowers In the field Legume

Family: LEGUMINOSAE

Genus: Cytisus

Sinònims: Sarothamnus scoparius (L.) Wimm. ex Koch

Catalan common name: Ginesta d'escombres. Ginestell comú. Gòdua.

Spanish common name: Retama de escobas.

Province distribution: Barcelona. Girona. Lleida. Tarragona. València.

General distribution (Phytogeography): Eurosiberian (Atlantic)

Uses and properties: Dye industry. Furniture, construction and tools. Medicinal.

Life-forms: Nanophanerophyte. Perennial.

Characteristics: This species is generally predominant in the silicolous moors with a subatlantic inclination, but can also be found in sparse forests and the outlying areas. A sub-leafless and very branched tree, (with strongly striated branches), and a vivid green in colour. The lower leaves are trifoliolate, the upper leaves simple and sessile. The flowers are separate or in groups of two, located on the leaf axils. The calyx is bilabiate. The pod (legume) is blackened, oblong and compressed. Its very similar to C. arboreus, but the former has a sub- falciform keel and is largely ciliated along the margin.