Dwarf furze (Ulex minor, Catal. Bot. 1: 83 (1797))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: Roth

Bibliography: Catal. Bot. 1: 83 (1797)

Year: 1797

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ulex

Vegetable: False

Observations: Madeira, W. Europe

Description

Dwarf furze, scientifically known as Ulex minor, is a notable species belonging to the Fabaceae family. First cataloged by Roth in 1797 in the text “Catal. Bot.”, the dwarf furze has held botanical interest for over two centuries. This resilient plant is prominent in the flora of Madeira and Western Europe, showcasing a significant distribution in these regions.

Ulex minor is a diminutive, yet hardy shrub that plays a vital role in its native ecosystems. Characterized by its spiky, evergreen bushes, this plant adapts well to the various environmental conditions found across Madeira and Western Europe. Its ability to thrive in poor soils and resist harsh weather conditions exemplifies the remarkable adaptability of the Fabaceae family.

Ecologically, dwarf furze contributes to soil enrichment through nitrogen fixation, a common trait among leguminous plants. It positively influences the habitat, encouraging a diverse range of wildlife. The plant’s dense and protective structure offers shelter and nesting sites for various insects and small mammals, enhancing the biodiversity of the areas it inhabits.

Despite its rugged nature, Ulex minor’s spiny branches can pose challenges, making land management and human activities in affected regions more demanding. However, its ecological benefits often outweigh the difficulties, underscoring the plant’s importance in natural landscapes.

In summary, the dwarf furze (Ulex minor) is a prominent member of the Fabaceae family, with a well-documented presence in Madeira and Western Europe since the late 18th century. Its ecological significance, combined with its hardy characteristics, makes it an integral part of the local plant community.

Common Names

Eng: dwarf furze, dwarf gorse, lesser gorse
Swe: dvärgtörne
Cym: aith, coreithin, coreithinen, eithin bychan, eithin mân, eithinen goraidd
En: Dwarf furze, Dwarf gorse, Lesser Gorse
Eu: Ote beltz
Br: Lann-bihan
Fr: Ajonc nain, Petit Ajonc, Ajonc de lande, Bruyère jaune, Petit Landin
Gl: Toxo gateño
De: Zwerggaspeldorn, Zwergstechginster
It: Ginestra spinosa nana
Pt: Tojo-molar
Ru: Улекс малый
Es: Escajo, Tojo gateño, Tojo enano
Sv: Dvärgtörne
Cy: Coreithinen, Aith, Coreithin, Eithin Bychan, Eithin Mân, Eithinen Goraidd

Synonyms

• Ulex nanus (T.F.Forst. ex Symoens)
• Ulex nanus var. acicularis (Merino)
• Ulex nanus f. dissitibracteatus (Merino)
• Ulex nanus var. remotus (Cout.)
• Ulex nanus var. confertus (Merino)
• Ulex nanus var. thorei (Lagr.-Foss.)
• Ulex nanus var. nemoralis (Simon)
• Ulex minor var. lusitanicus ((Webb) C.Vicioso)
• Ulex nanus var. lusitanicus (Webb)
• Stauracanthus spartioides (Webb)
• Ulex europaeus f. lagrezei (Rouy)
• Ulex nanus f. thorei ((Lagr.-Foss.) Samp.)
• Ulex nanus f. remotus ((Cout.) Samp.)
• Ulex autumnalis (Thore)
• Ulex nanus f. lusitanicus ((Webb) Samp.)
• Ulex europaeus f. richteri (Rouy)
• Ulex nanus f. dissibracteatus (Merino)
• Ulex minor var. nemoralis ((Simon) C.Vicioso)
• Ulex europaeus f. nanus (Rouy)
• Ulex spartioides ((Webb) Nyman)

Distribution

• France (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)
• Azores (introduced)
• Crozet Is. (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 17, 2021 by jean renaudin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2022 by Frade Pedro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2019 by Perez F (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 21, 2022 by Kilian Falk (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2020 by Amandine ement (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 17, 2021 by Collados Ana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2021 by jane lovett (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 1, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Fozame (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2019 by Perez F (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Dec 19, 2021 by Ángel Fernández Fernández (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2021 by Mathieu le coq (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2019 by Perez F (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2019 by Perez F (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Martinez Susana (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 1, 2018 by My Lord (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Michel Gaubert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 1996 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 24, 2021 by Jeff B (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 23, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Marcel ETIENNE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 11, 2017 by Tela Botanica − José Luis ROMERO REGO (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Marcel ETIENNE (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Marcel ETIENNE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 20, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Other

Taken Sep 4, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 29, 1852 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 1881 by Tela Botanica − Anne-Marie GRIMAUD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2951968)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:524331-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ulex minor Roth)

Specifications

Growth habit: Subshrub

Growth

Ph maximum: 4.5

Ph minimum: 4.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’, ‘oct’]

Soil nutriments: 2