Common Name:

General Information

Anagyris latifolia is a much-branched, deciduous shrub that can grow up to 5 metres tall, but is usually smaller[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. An endangered species, it should not generally be harvested.
Anagyris latifolia has a severely fragmented distribution, with an area of occupancy of less than 80 km². Continuing decline has been identified in the extent and quality of its habitat, number of subpopulations and number of mature individuals. Grazing, predation by rabbits, competition with native and invasive plants and changes in land use are the main factors affecting the species. The total number of mature individuals is 387, and each of the subpopulations has less than 250 mature individuals. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

The plant (the seed is mentioned specifically) contains the alkaloid anagyrine, taken in excess this can cause tachycardia, hypertension, vomiting and diarrhoea

Botanical References

Range

Macaronesia - Canary Islands

Habitat

Dry scrubland, usually on salic soils, at elevations up to 1,300 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a sunny position in a well-drained soil, preferably on the dry side[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The leaves, seeds and flowering tops are emetic, pectoral, purgative and toxic. It is used in the form of infusions or as a poultice[].
Some caution is advised in the use of this plant - see the notes above on toxicity.

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - it has a hard seedcoat and may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up and improve germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing.
The seed can remain viable for more than 4 years.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood in the summer[].