Calicotome spinosa Thorny Broom
Family
Fabaceae
Genus
Calicotome
Species
spinosa
Calicotome spinosa (known as thorny broom or spiny broom) is a very spiny, densely
branched shrub of the legume family Fabaceae which can reach up to three metres in
height. It grows in the Western Mediterranean region on sunny slopes and dry, rocky
ground. It is found in Spain, France, Italy, Croatia and Algeria and has been introduced
to New Zealand. From March to June it produces bright yellow flowers which are borne
singly or in small clusters. The seed-pods are 30mm long and are almost hairless, unlike
those of the similar species Calicotome villosa.