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Useful Temperate Plants

Retama sphaerocarpa

(L.) Boiss.

Fabaceae

+ Synonyms

Genista sphaerocarpa Lam.

Lygos sphaerocarpa (L.) Heywood

Spartium sphaerocarpum L.

Common Name:

No Image.

General Information

Retama sphaerocarpa is an upright, deciduous shrub with flexible stems and a deep root system; it usually grows around 1 - 3 metres tall but can reach around 4 metres. The leaves are very small and quickly drop from the plant. The plant remains leafless for most of the year, photosynthesis being carried out by the green stems[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
,
1582
Title
Producción y manejo de semillas y plantas forestales
Publication
 
Author
García J.P. et al
Website
https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/parques-nacionales-oapn/publicaciones/naturaleza-parques.aspx
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2014
ISBN
978-84-8014-837-5
Description
An excellent guide, in Spanish, to the Forestry trees and shrubs of Spain. It can be downloaded as a PDF.
].
A multi-purpose plant, it has been widely used for a variety of purposes as a medicine and source of various materials. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental, especially in Mediterranean climates[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
].

Known Hazards

The plant can be toxic to grazing animals, though goats seem to be immune[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
].
The plant is strongly bitter and, although it is used medicinally, a strong decoction is said to produce vomiting and headaches[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
].

Botanical References

200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
,
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet

Range

Mediterranean region - Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia

Habitat

Open places, often disturbed sites, where it can form a stage in the restoration of Holm oak woodland; at elevations up to 1,400 metres[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
]. Sandy soils and arid areas[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
].

Properties

Medicinal Rating *  *  *
Other Uses Rating *  *  *
HabitShrub
Height2.50 m
PollinatorsBees, Insects
Cultivation StatusOrnamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Retama sphaerocarpa is a plant of Mediterranean regions with their hot, dry summers and cool, moist winters; it can be found at elevations up to 1,400 metres. It grows mainly in areas where the average annual temperature is between 13.5 - 17.5°c and that of the coldest month can fall as low as -0.6 to 7.8°c[
1582
Title
Producción y manejo de semillas y plantas forestales
Publication
 
Author
García J.P. et al
Website
https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/parques-nacionales-oapn/publicaciones/naturaleza-parques.aspx
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2014
ISBN
978-84-8014-837-5
Description
An excellent guide, in Spanish, to the Forestry trees and shrubs of Spain. It can be downloaded as a PDF.
]. The mean annual rainfall is around 320 - 750mm, falling almost entirely in the cooler months[
1582
Title
Producción y manejo de semillas y plantas forestales
Publication
 
Author
García J.P. et al
Website
https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/parques-nacionales-oapn/publicaciones/naturaleza-parques.aspx
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2014
ISBN
978-84-8014-837-5
Description
An excellent guide, in Spanish, to the Forestry trees and shrubs of Spain. It can be downloaded as a PDF.
]. Possibly the hardiest member of the genus, it can be grown outdoors in temperate regions that are free from prolonged frosts. So long as the preceding summer has been hot enough to ripe the current season's growth, the plant is able to tolerate short periods where temperatures fall to around -10°c.[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
].
Requires a warm, sunny position in a very well-drained, light-textured soil and some protection from rain in the winter[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
]. Grows best in drier soils of low fertility[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
]. Established plants are very drought tolerant.
An aromatic plant[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria; these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[
1309
Title
The Leguminosae; A Source Book of Characteristics, Uses and Nodulation
Publication
 
Author
Allen O.N.; Allen E.K.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin
Year
1981
ISBN
0-333-32221-5
Description
An amazing and comprehensive work, giving a brief guide to the many genera of the family Fabaceae and also the principle uses of the genus.
].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Whilst Retama raetam is the most commonly used medicinal species[
1583
Title
Genus Retama: a review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities
Publication
Phytochem Rev February 2018
Author
León-González A.J. et al
Website
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-018-9555-3
Publisher
 
Year
2018
ISBN
 
Description
Published on-line, an excellent review of the uses of species in the genus Retama
], various studies have shown that all the species in the genus have very similar medicinal properties. They have a range of biological activities, including antibacterial, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, anti-proliferative, antiulcer, antiviral, and hepatoprotective activities[
1583
Title
Genus Retama: a review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities
Publication
Phytochem Rev February 2018
Author
León-González A.J. et al
Website
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-018-9555-3
Publisher
 
Year
2018
ISBN
 
Description
Published on-line, an excellent review of the uses of species in the genus Retama
].

An infusion of the flowering stems has been used to fight liver diseases and is said to be useful in the treatment of diabetes[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
]. Infusions of the branches have been used to treat heart conditions and haemorrhoids[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
]. The leaves, stems and tender buds are used to treat colds and respiratory problems, stomach aches, to promote menstruation (and sometimes abortions), and treat conditions of the urinary tract[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
].
The aerial parts of the plant are a highly valued remedy in the treatment a range of bone and muscular conditions, being used in the form of poultices, ointments and plasters to treat wounds and injuries (including broken bones), sprains, dislocations, muscle aches, rheumatism, arthrosis, bursitis and tendinitis[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
]. They are also used to treat skin problems and as a remedy for insect and snake bites[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
].
The bitter-tasting stem can be chewed, or the juice of the stem applied to the tooth as a treatment for toothache and a protection against decay. A decoction of the stem, or sometimes the roots, can be used as a mouthwash[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
].
A decoction of the flowering stems has been used to rid the hair of lice[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
].

The seedpods are used as a treatment for diarrhoea[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
]. The seedpods and seeds have been used to treat malaria[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
].

The chemical composition of this plant has not been very studied, although there is a recent revision of it [
74
Title
Flora of the USSR.
Publication
 
Author
Komarov. V. L.
Website
http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org
Publisher
Israel Program for Scientific Translation
Year
1968
ISBN
-
Description
An immense (25 or more large volumes) and not yet completed translation of the Russian flora. Full of information on plant uses and habitats but heavy going for casual readers. It can be downloaded from the Internet.
]. It possesses alkaloids derived from Quinolizidina (Norlupinano), which are characteristic of the Fabaceae family and of the genus Broom. The branches contain mainly sparteine and retamin, while the flowers are rich in lupanine, Retamia and Cytisina; and seeds in Cytisina [
74
Title
Flora of the USSR.
Publication
 
Author
Komarov. V. L.
Website
http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org
Publisher
Israel Program for Scientific Translation
Year
1968
ISBN
-
Description
An immense (25 or more large volumes) and not yet completed translation of the Russian flora. Full of information on plant uses and habitats but heavy going for casual readers. It can be downloaded from the Internet.
]. Also present are the Esferocarpina and Anagitina [
75
Title
Shelter Trees and Hedges.
Publication
 
Author
Rosewarne experimental horticultural station.
Publisher
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Year
1984
ISBN
-
Description
A small booklet packed with information on trees and shrubs for hedging and shelterbelts in exposed maritime areas.
]. It also contains fatty acids Ω-3 and ω-6, sterols and aliphatic alcohols, mainly in seeds, and flavonoids [
74
Title
Flora of the USSR.
Publication
 
Author
Komarov. V. L.
Website
http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org
Publisher
Israel Program for Scientific Translation
Year
1968
ISBN
-
Description
An immense (25 or more large volumes) and not yet completed translation of the Russian flora. Full of information on plant uses and habitats but heavy going for casual readers. It can be downloaded from the Internet.
]. This species has been consigned as diuretic, tonic, and laxative [
75
Title
Shelter Trees and Hedges.
Publication
 
Author
Rosewarne experimental horticultural station.
Publisher
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Year
1984
ISBN
-
Description
A small booklet packed with information on trees and shrubs for hedging and shelterbelts in exposed maritime areas.
]. The alkaloids it contains have uterotónicas activities, stimulant/depressants of the respiratory system, antipyretic and hallucinogenic, and also has flavonoids antimicrobial and others with cytotoxic activity against cervical cancer cell lines[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
]

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is used in Spain as a pioneer species when reforesting native woodlands. It is usually planted in association with native trees, especially Quercus ilex and Pinus pinea. Because of its high drought resistance, and ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, it is considered to be especially valuable in restoring semi-arid environments[
1582
Title
Producción y manejo de semillas y plantas forestales
Publication
 
Author
García J.P. et al
Website
https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/parques-nacionales-oapn/publicaciones/naturaleza-parques.aspx
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2014
ISBN
978-84-8014-837-5
Description
An excellent guide, in Spanish, to the Forestry trees and shrubs of Spain. It can be downloaded as a PDF.
].
The flowers are a good source of nectar for bees[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
]..

Other Uses

The branches and tender buds were thrown inside wells, cisterns and even puddles, with the intention of purifying the water. This practice was carried out only in certain months of the year and was also reinforced by adding bolus lime (quicklime) and maintaining the process for between 30 - 40 days. The observation that larvae and insects were eliminated with this custom, led it to be held as highly recommended. The branches have also been added to water that had a bad taste - the flavour is greatly improved[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
]

The fresh, aerial parts of the plant are said to be an effective insect repellent, especially against flies, wasps and fleas. The branches can be hung in the room, or the ground can be covered with the flowering plant. Walking on the plant increases the effect, but the effect wears off as the plant dries[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
].

The branches are used to make baskets, with a technique similar to that used for willows (Salix species). They are worked fresh, while they are flexible, without any previous treatment, except to clean them of all secondary stems[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
].

The flexible branches have been used as a tying material[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
].
Harvested towards the end spring, the branches are used to make brooms[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
].
The stems are also used as pointing implements and as divining rods for locating underground water[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
].

The seeds, used when freshly harvested, are strung to make necklaces[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
].
The dried seedpods are used as rattles[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
].

The plant ashes are said to make an excellent laundry whitener - the clothes are soaked in the filtered water obtained from the boiled ashes and then left in the sun for a few hours[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
].

A yellow dye is obtained from the stems[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
].

The branches have been used for making thatched roofs[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
].

The wood, especially the branches but also the trunk and roots, is often used for fuel, burning well and giving off a good heat. It is said to be especially useful for traditional bread ovens[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
]. It is a fuel of choice for traditional potters, who would often burn it whilst still green so that it produced abundant smoke - this smoke produced a gilded film upon the ceramics[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
]. It is sometimes used to make charcoal, but this is not considered to be of very high quality[
1581
Title
Inventario Espanol de los Conocimientos Tradicionales relativos a la Biodiversidad. Segunda Fase
Publication
 
Author
Editors: Manuel Pardo de Santayana et al
Website
http://publicacionesoficiales.boe.es/
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura; Madrid
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
An excellent guide to the traditional uses of plants in Spain. Produced in three volumes, it is available for download as a PDF from the Internet
].

Propagation

Seed - it has a hard seedcoat and benefits 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 half-ripe wood in a frame[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
].
Cite as: Temperate Plants Database, Ken Fern. temperate.theferns.info. 2024-12-04. <temperate.theferns.info/plant/Retama+sphaerocarpa>

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