Spanish Broom

The green branches of the Spanish broom are photosynthetic, capable of integrating and continuing the chlorophyll function of the small, sparse leaves. The plant can grow up to 4-5 metres tall. The flowers are bright yellow, fragrant, distinctive and particularly popular with bees. The fruit is a curved legume, initially velvety and then hairless and dark, which expels 10-18 seeds when ripe. The plant is toxic. It is a beneficial species as it hosts nitrogen-fixing bacteria on its root nodules. The plant has a deep and developed root system, used to consolidate slopes and landslide-prone areas. The name Spartium junceum derives from the Greek word “speïro” (to bind) and the Latin adjective “junceus” (rush-like due to the similarity of the tops of the plant to rushes) and both terms refer to the use made of its flexible stem as a rope for tying vines and tomatoes or for transporting meat. In addition, a textile fibre is obtained from the stem, which is used to produce ropes, and during the Second World War, fabrics were obtained from it to make clothing.