Needle-leaf broom (Genista linifolia, Sp. Pl. ed. 2: 405 (1762))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl. ed. 2: 405 (1762)

Year: 1762

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Genista

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Medit.

Description

Needle-leaf broom, scientifically known as Genista linifolia, is a remarkable plant species belonging to the Fabaceae family. This species has been recognized and described in botanical literature as early as 1762 in “Species Plantarum,” a seminal work by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, often referenced as ‘L.’.

This beautiful plant is native to the Western Mediterranean region, where it thrives in various environmental conditions, contributing to the remarkable biodiversity of the area. The name “needle-leaf broom” aptly describes its distinctive morphology, characterized by slender, needle-like leaves that give the plant a unique and appealing appearance.

Genista linifolia is notable for its resilience and adaptability. Its presence in Mediterranean climates showcases its ability to endure both arid conditions and, occasionally, more temperate environments. This versatility makes it a plant of interest to both botanists and gardeners alike.

Furthermore, as a member of the Fabaceae family, Genista linifolia contributes to the ecological system by enriching the soil with nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with root-dwelling bacteria. This capability not only benefits the plant itself but also the surrounding flora, promoting a healthier and more sustainable environment.

In summary, the needle-leaf broom (Genista linifolia) is a fascinating species with distinctive features and environmental benefits. Its historical documentation and Mediterranean origins add to the richness of our understanding of plant biodiversity and ecology.

Common Names

Fra: genêt à feuilles de lin
Eng: mediterranean broom, flax broom, flax-leaf broom, needle-leaf broom, needle-leaved broom
Cat: ginesta linifòlia
En: Needle-leaf broom, Flax broom, Flax-leaf broom, Mediterranean broom, Needle-leaved Broom, Flax-leaved Broom, Teline
Ca: Ginesta linifòlia, Ginestola linifòlia
Fr: Genêt à feuilles de Lin
It: Citiso occidentale
Es: Escobón blanco, Retama fina

Synonyms

• Spartium amoenum (Salisb.)
• Lugaion linifolium ((L.) Raf.)
• Telinaria linifolia ((L.) C.Presl)
• Teline linifolia var. angustifolia (Webb & Berthel.)
• Teline linifolia ((L.) Webb & Berthel.)
• Cytisus linifolius ((L.) Lam.)
• Genistoides linifolia ((L.) Moench)
• Avornela linifolia ((L.) Raf.)
• Cytisus linifolius var. angustifolius (Briq.)
• Genista linifolia var. leucocarpa (J.J.Rodr.)
• Spartium linifolium ((L.) Desf.)
• Cytisus linifolius var. leiocarpus ((J.J.Rodr.) Porta)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Corse (native)
• France (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Spain (native)
• California (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

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

Flower

Taken Apr 20, 2020 by william thymakis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 24, 2020 by Guillaume Labeyrie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2018 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 2, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 10, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2000 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2018 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 10, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

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

Taken May 27, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie-France PETIBON (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 19, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2022 by Ongay Iraide (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 2020 by Jean Raymond Sire (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2022 by Karim Chaer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 17, 2022 by Delphine Provost (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5347599)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:496144-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Genista linifolia L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Shrub

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.5

Ph minimum: 5.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 3

Soil nutriments: 4