Thorny broom (Calicotome spinosa, Enum. Hort. Berol. Alt. 2: 225 (1822))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (L.) Link

Bibliography: Enum. Hort. Berol. Alt. 2: 225 (1822)

Year: 1822

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Calicotome

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Spain, Baleares, Corse, Sardegna, SE. France, NW. Italy, N. Algeria, SW. Albania

Description

Thorny broom, scientifically known as Calicotome spinosa, is a bristling yet beautiful shrub that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This hardy plant is recognizable by its spiny branches and vibrant yellow flowers, which make it a distinctive presence in its native habitats.

The natural range of Calicotome spinosa spans several regions around the Mediterranean. It thrives in the rough terrains of Eastern Spain, the idyllic landscapes of the Balearic Islands, the rugged terrains of Corsica and Sardinia, and the sun-soaked stretches of Southeastern France. The plant is also found flourishing in the northwestern parts of Italy, spreading across to Northern Algeria and Southwestern Albania. The diversity of these locations indicates the plant’s adaptability to a variety of soil types and climatic conditions.

Calicotome spinosa was first cataloged in 1822 in the comprehensive horticultural work “Enumeratio Horti Berolinensis Altera” by (L.) Link, who documented the species in meticulous detail. The plant’s tenacious nature is evident in its ability to endure the challenging conditions of its native regions, often steep, rocky, and nutrient-poor soils.

In addition to its resilience, Thorny broom has ornamental value due to its aesthetically pleasing flowers. The bright yellow blooms emerge in clusters, offering a stark and lovely contrast to the green, spiny branches. These blossoms not only brighten the landscape but also contribute to the ecological system by providing nectar for bees and other pollinators.

In summary, Calicotome spinosa is a remarkable plant both for its enduring characteristics and its botanical beauty. Its presence from the Mediterranean regions to parts of North Africa underscores its adaptability and ecological importance. Known commonly as Thorny broom, this plant continues to intrigue botanists and nature enthusiasts alike with its spiny yet radiant charm.

Common Names

En: Thorny broom, Spiny Broom
Ca: Argelaga Negra, Argelaga vera, Bàlec, Gatosa negra
Nl: Doornheidebrem
Fi: Lännenpiikkivihma
Fr: Calicotome épineux, Cytise épineux
De: Kahler Dornginster, Stacheliger Dornginster, Dornginster, Stechginster
It: Sparzio spinoso
Es: Aliaga Espinosa, Aliaga, Aulaga negra, Cambrona, Retama espinosa

Synonyms

• Cytisus spinosus ((L.) Lam.)
• Calicotome spinosa var. ligustica (Burnat)
• Calicotome fontanesii (Rothm.)
• Calicotome spinosa var. leptocarpa (Pau)
• Lygoplis spinosum ((L.) Raf.)
• Laburnum spinosum ((L.) J.Presl)
• Calicotome spinosa var. opistholepis (Rothm.)
• Calicotome spinosa subsp. ligustica (Burnat)
• Calicotome spinosa f. albiflora (Batt. ex Maire)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Corse (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Spain (native)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Apr 25, 2018 by Tela Botanica − yasmine Korso (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Melilia MESBAH (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 26, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Salima BENHOUHOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Salima BENHOUHOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 7, 2010 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2019 by Valova G (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Feb 18, 2020 by Felfoul Boualem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2022 by Oliver Llorenç (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 18, 2020 by Felfoul Boualem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Errol VELA (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 21, 2021 by izem idourar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 25, 2022 by anghjulu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 11, 2021 by Anaïs Bon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 29, 2020 by Rabie zerbout (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2020 by Halim Azzoug (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 26, 2019 by Valova G (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 21, 2021 by izem idourar (cc-by-sa)

© 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/2956359)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:127578-3)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Calicotome spinosa (L.) Link)

Specifications

Growth