Spiny broom (Calicotome villosa, Neues J. Bot. 2(2): 51 (1808))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (Poir.) Link

Bibliography: Neues J. Bot. 2(2): 51 (1808)

Year: 1808

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Calicotome

Vegetable: False

Observations: Medit.

Description

Spiny broom, known scientifically as Calicotome villosa, is a member of the Fabaceae family, a diverse and widespread group of flowering plants commonly referred to as the legume, pea, or bean family. This particular species is characterized by its dense, thorny branches, making it a formidable and resilient plant in its native habitats.

First described in detail in Neues J. Bot. 2(2) on page 51 in the year 1808, the spiny broom has held scholarly interest for its distinctive features and adaptability. The authority on its classification is noted as (Poir.) Link, indicating the contributions of the botanists Poiret and Link in its systematic categorization.

Predominantly found in Mediterranean regions, Calicotome villosa thrives in coastal and mountainous environments where it often forms dense thickets. This plant is specifically adapted to the Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The spiny broom’s tough, thorn-covered branches serve a dual purpose: they deter herbivores and protect the plant from the harsh climatic conditions typical of its native range.

The foliage of the spiny broom is another distinguishing feature. The leaves are typically small, trifoliate (consisting of three leaflets), and covered with fine hairs, which help to reduce water loss—an essential adaptation for survival in arid environments. During the blooming season, Calicotome villosa produces clusters of bright yellow flowers, which are not only visually striking but also play a critical role in its reproductive cycle by attracting pollinators.

In summary, Calicotome villosa or spiny broom is a remarkable plant recognized for its thorny branches and adaptability to Mediterranean ecosystems. Its detailed classification was first published in 1808 and remains a subject of academic interest for its unique botanical characteristics and ecological significance.

Common Names

En: Spiny Broom
Ar: قندول شعري
Fi: Karvapiikkivihma
Fr: Calicotome velu
El: Ασπάλαθος
He: קידה שעירה
It: Sparzio villoso
Es: Erguén, Hérguenes
: Spiny broom

Synonyms

• Calicotome villosa var. genuina (Rothm.)
• Cytisus lanigerus (DC.)
• Spartium lanigerum (Desf.)
• Calicotome cretica (C.Presl)
• Calicotome spinosa var. macrantha (Rouy)
• Lygoplis villosum ((Poir.) Raf.)
• Cytisus preslii (Nyman)
• Genista lanigera ((DC.) Scheele)
• Laburnum lanigerum (J.Presl)
• Calicotome spinosa var. villosa ((Poir.) Fiori & Paol.)
• Calicotome spinosa subsp. villosa ((Poir.) Rouy)
• Calicotome spinosa var. genuina (Rouy)
• Calicotome villosa var. cretica ((C.Presl) Rothm.)
• Spartium spinosum (Brot.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)

Additional Images

© 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.

Leaf

Taken May 16, 2020 by walkinf (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 10, 2019 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 8, 2019 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2021 by doruk mustafa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2021 by Fotis (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 20, 2022 by Werner Rom (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2022 by Werner Rom (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 17, 2022 by Werner Rom (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2022 by Werner Rom (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2021 by Amathusian (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 3, 2022 by Zafer Yavuz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 12, 2022 by starkov evgenii (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 26, 2020 by Anthoulas Theo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 29, 2020 by Jeff Sapire (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 2020 by adamumbe adamumbe (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 23, 2022 by pablocuesta92 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2019 by Comandi Federico (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2020 by izik k (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2020 by Milenarios Los Tejos (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Patrick Leboulenger (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Dec 19, 2020 by Eleftherios (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 19, 2020 by Eleftherios (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2019 by Comandi Federico (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 16, 2022 by o la (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2956364)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77106062-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Calicotome villosa (Poir.) Link)

Specifications

Growth habit: Subshrub

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 6.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘mar’, ‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]

Soil nutriments: 5