Information about Calicotome spinosa

Calicotome spinosa is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae family, commonly known as spiny broom or spiny greenweed. It is native to the Mediterranean region and can be found in many countries in the area, including Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Morocco.

Spiny broom is a shrub that can grow up to 2 meters tall. It has small, yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer, and produces small, hard, brown pods in the fall. The plant is characterized by its sharp, spiny branches, which help protect it from grazing animals and browsing insects.

Spiny broom is a hardy plant that is adapted to the dry and often harsh conditions of the Mediterranean region. It is able to survive in poor soils and can tolerate both drought and high temperatures. As such, it is often used in landscaping and erosion control projects in arid areas.

In addition to its practical uses, spiny broom has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive disorders, respiratory infections, and skin conditions. The plant contains a number of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins, which are thought to be responsible for its medicinal properties.

Overall, Calicotome spinosa is an important plant species in the Mediterranean region, valued for both its practical and cultural significance.