Family: Fabaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 720 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Anthyllis
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. & C. Spain, Baleares, S. France, NW. Africa
Description
Albaida, known scientifically as Anthyllis cytisoides, is a remarkable species belonging to the Fabaceae family. This plant is known for its ecological adaptability and is widely observed in Southern and Central Spain, the Balearic Islands, Southern France, and Northwestern Africa.
Anthyllis cytisoides was first described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum”, published in 1753. This historical publication laid the foundation for modern botanical nomenclature and classification, and Albaida’s inclusion in this notable work underscores its significance in the botanical world.
The plant typically thrives in Mediterranean climates, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Albaida’s ability to adapt to these arid conditions is due to several evolutionary features, making it a resilient and enduring species. It is often found in rocky, well-drained soils where it contributes to the local ecosystem through various ecological functions.
Morphologically, Albaida is a perennial shrub that can reach significant heights under optimal conditions. Its foliage is usually a pale green to greyish hue, reflecting its adaptation to conserve water. The leaves are pinnate and covered with fine hairs, which also aid in reducing water loss. During its blooming season, Albaida produces clusters of small, yellow flowers that are not only visually striking but also play a crucial role in the reproductive cycle of the plant, attracting a range of pollinators.
The plant’s presence is integral in the regions it inhabits, as it helps to stabilize soil, preventing erosion, and supports a variety of wildlife. Furthermore, its hardy nature makes it a valuable species for studying resilience in plants and understanding how flora can adapt to changing climatic conditions.
Given its extensive range and ecological importance, Albaida continues to be a subject of interest among botanists and ecologists. Its capacity to endure in some of the more challenging environments of the Mediterranean basin makes it a symbol of natural perseverance and adaptability.
Common Names
Cat: albada
Spa: albaida
Eng: albaida
En: Albaida, Broom-like Kidney-vetch
Ca: Albada, Albada vera
Fr: Anthyllide faux cytise, Anthyllis faux cytise
De: Geißklee-Wundklee
Es: Albaida, Monte blanco
Synonyms
- Anthyllis cytisoides var. garrafensis (Sennen)
- Aspalathoides cytisi (K.Koch)
- Anthyllis cytisoides var. densiflora (Sennen & Mauricio)
- Anthyllis cytisoides var. laxiflora (Sennen & Mauricio)
- Anthyllis cytisoides var. sallustiani (Sennen)
- Vulneraria gracilis (Bubani)
- Zenopogon cytisoides ((L.) Link)
- Anthyllis gracilis (Salisb.)
Distribution
- Algeria (native)
- Baleares (native)
- France (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Spain (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Mar 13, 2022 by de Vicente Nacho (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 12, 2019 by Piñana Miguel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 29, 2020 by Joan Blai (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 20, 2022 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 20, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 20, 2019 by Bouharaoua BOUDANI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2021 by Collados Ana (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 20, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 8, 2022 by Lisa Giovannoli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 5, 2022 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 20, 2022 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 2, 2021 by Santoyo Javier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 20, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Feb 20, 2022 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 28, 2022 by S100 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 17, 2022 by MACARENA VH (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 22, 2020 by koppenhofer herta (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2019 by Cris Pa Mar (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 9, 2020 by Jorge (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2022 by Collados Ana (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 11, 2018 by Alejandro Carrasco (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 22, 2021 by Abd Maatougui (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2019 by Pedro González (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Feb 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Feb 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken May 25, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2019 by Pedro González (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5352466)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:474674-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Anthyllis cytisoides L.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Subshrub
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.0
Ph minimum: 7.5
Light: 8
Atmospheric humidity: 2
Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’]
Soil nutriments: 4