Genista

French Broom2

Genista is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family, Fabaceae. The genus includes about 90 species of shrubs and subshrubs, commonly known as brooms. They are native to Europe, the Canary Islands, and North Africa. The genus is closely related to other genera in the tribe Genisteae, such as Cytisus and Spartium.

Description

Genista species are typically small shrubs, ranging from 0.3 to 2 meters in height. They have green, photosynthetic stems and small, simple leaves that are often deciduous. The flowers are usually yellow and are borne in dense clusters. The fruit is a legume, which splits open at maturity to release the seeds.

Habitat

Genista species are adapted to a variety of habitats, including dry, rocky soils, grasslands, and open woodlands. They are often found in areas with a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Uses

Several species of Genista are cultivated as ornamental plants for their bright yellow flowers and attractive foliage. Some species, such as Genista tinctoria, have been used historically for dyeing fabrics. The plants are also used in traditional medicine in some cultures.

Species

Some notable species of Genista include:

• Genista tinctoria - Dyer's Broom
• Genista anglica - Petty Whin
• Genista hispanica - Spanish Broom
• Genista pilosa - Hairy Greenweed

Related Pages

• Fabaceae
• Genisteae
• Cytisus
• Spartium
• Broom (shrub)