Common Name:

General Information

Genista corsica is an erect to spreading, spiny, evergreen shrub growing up to 100cm tall[]. The leaves are small and only sparsely produced, most photosynthesis being carried out by the young green stems[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is often grown as an ornamental in gardens.
Although only found on Sardinia and Corsica, the population of Genista corsica has been described as widespread where it occurs and stable. There are no known threats to this species. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Mediterranean - Corsica, Sardinia

Habitat

Amongst shrubs and on exposed slopes; at elevations from sea level up to 1,600 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.80 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Genista corsica is a plant of Mediterranean climates with long, hot, dry summers and cool, moist to wet winters. It is not very cold-hardy, tolerating occasional temperatures falling to around -5°c[].
Grows best in a sunny position[]. An easily grown plant, it does not require a rich or manured soil, growing best in a well-drained, light loam[]. The plant can tolerate strong winds[].
Plants transplant badly after a few years, and should be given permanent quarters early, or else grown in pots[].
Whenever possible, genistas should be raised from seed, as plants so obtained are usually healthier and longer-lived than cuttings[].
Plants do not usually resprout well if cut back into old wood, older plants can be best kept more compact by lightly cutting back the young growth after flowering. The taller species are all improved by shortening back several times in the young state in order to induce a bushy habit[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The fresh flowers are used as a disinfectant for treating sores and epidermic ulcers[].

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.
Cuttings of almost ripe wood, taken in mid to late summer, placed in very sandy soil in a frame. Roots are usually produced in the spring[].
Cuttings of ripe wood, 5 - 10 cm with a heel, early autumn in a frame. Good percentage. Plant out the following autumn[].