Hairybroom (Cytisus villosus, Mém. Acad. Sci. Toulouse 3: 317 (1788))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: Pourr.

Bibliography: Mém. Acad. Sci. Toulouse 3: 317 (1788)

Year: 1788

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cytisus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Medit.

Description

Hairybroom (Cytisus villosus)

Hairybroom, scientifically known as Cytisus villosus, is a remarkable member of the Fabaceae family. This plant, first described in 1788 by the botanist Pourret in the third volume of the “Mémoires de l’Académie des Sciences de Toulouse”, is native to the Mediterranean region.

The Hairybroom thrives in the Mediterranean climate, where its adaptive qualities are prominently displayed. It is well-suited to withstand the hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters characteristic of the Mediterranean area. This climate gives the plant a robust resilience, making it a hardy species in its native habitat.

Cytisus villosus displays an attractive appearance, often recognized by its densely hairy stems and leaves, which give it a distinctive texture and appearance. This peculiar feature is reflected in its common name, Hairybroom. The plant typically blooms with an array of vibrant flowers, contributing to the biodiversity and aesthetic beauty of the Mediterranean landscapes.

Moreover, Hairybroom plays a vital role in its ecosystem. As a member of the Fabaceae family, it is involved in nitrogen fixation, enriching the soil and benefiting surrounding plants. This ecological function highlights its importance in maintaining the balance and health of its native habitat.

In summary, Cytisus villosus is not only a striking plant in appearance but also a crucial ecological contributor in the Mediterranean regions. Its hardy nature and nitrogen-fixing abilities make it a significant species within its family, reinforcing its value both scientifically and environmentally.

Common Names

Eng: hairybroom
En: Hairybroom, Hairy Broom
Ca: Ginesta triflora
Fi: Villavihma
Fr: Cytise velu, Genêt velu
It: Citiso trifloro
Es: Escobón negro

Synonyms

• Cytisus affinis (C.Presl)
• Cytisus triflorus var. glabrescens (C.Vicioso)
• Genista triflorus var. villosus ((Pourr.) DC.)
• Cytisus triflorus var. bidentatus (Chabert)
• Lembotropis affinis ((C.Presl) C.Presl)
• Cytisus barcinonensis (Sennen)
• Laburnum molle (J.Presl)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Corse (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• India (introduced)
• New York (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Dec 5, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2021 by Nikola Mihajlović (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2021 by Rossi Aldo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2020 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 4, 2019 by Tristan Hamon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2020 by Séverine Mourgues (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2020 by Séverine Mourgues (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2020 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 24, 2021 by Franco Colnago (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (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.

Bark

Taken Jul 16, 2020 by François Narboux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2020 by Marvin Filliat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2020 by Alex Leg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Giovanni Collura Giovanni Collura (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2021 by Fred (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 6, 2011 by EOL − Michael Wunderli (cc-by)

Taken Dec 5, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2021 by Patrice Nodet (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5354639)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:490033-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cytisus villosus Pourr.)

Specifications

Growth