Calicotome
Contents
Description
Calicotome is a genus of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae, commonly known as spiny broom. It is a shrub that is native to the Mediterranean region, including North Africa and Southern Europe. The plant is highly valued for its ornamental qualities and is often used in gardens and landscaping. The flowers of the Calicotome are bright yellow and bloom in the spring and summer months. The plant is drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor soil conditions.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Calicotome |
Appearance
The Calicotome plant grows up to two meters tall and has a bushy growth habit. Its leaves are small, evergreen, and have a grey-green color. The plant’s branches are covered in sharp spines that can be up to 2 cm long. The flowers of the Calicotome are bright yellow and have a sweet fragrance. They appear in clusters and bloom from spring to summer. The plant produces seed pods that are small, flattened, and brown in color.
Care Guide
Calicotome is a hardy plant and requires little maintenance. Here are some tips for caring for your Calicotome:- Water: The plant is drought-tolerant and only needs occasional watering. Avoid overwatering, as it can cause root rot.- Fertilization: Calicotome does not require fertilization but can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer in the spring.- Soil: The plant can grow in poor soil conditions but prefers well-draining soil.- Sunlight: Calicotome prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The plant can survive in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Calicotome is not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by spider mites, aphids, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. The plant can also be affected by root rot if overwatered.
Habitat
Calicotome is native to the Mediterranean region, including North Africa and Southern Europe. It grows in dry, rocky, and sandy areas and is often found in scrublands, hillsides, and coastal regions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Calicotome a good plant for landscaping?
A: Yes, Calicotome is a great plant for landscaping. Its spiny branches and bright yellow flowers make it an attractive addition to any garden.
Q: Can Calicotome grow in poor soil conditions?
A: Yes, Calicotome can grow in poor soil conditions. However, it prefers well-draining soil.
Q: How often should I water my Calicotome plant?
A: Calicotome is drought-tolerant and only needs occasional watering. Avoid overwatering, as it can cause root rot.
Q: What hardiness zones can Calicotome survive in?
A: Calicotome can survive in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Calicotome:- Cytisus scoparius (common broom)- Genista tinctoria (dyer’s greenweed)- Spartium junceum (Spanish broom)- Ulex europaeus (common gorse)
References
– “Calicotome.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30002505-2- “Calicotome.” The Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/18036/callicotome-spiny-broom/details
