Common Name: Spanish Broom

General Information

Spartium junceum is a deciduous shrub of rather gaunt habit, with upright stems that have few branches. The leaves are very few, most photosynthesis being carried out by the green, cylindrical, rush-like stems, the plant usually growing from 2.5 - 3.5 metres tall[, ].
The plant is often harvested from the wild as the source of a range of materials, especially its fibre and essential oil. The fibre has been used in the Mediterranean for more than 2,000 years and there is currently a revival in its use in composite materials made of biopolymer matrices and natural fibres. The plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental, there are some named forms[].
The plant is often grown as an ornamental, and sometimes escapes from cultivation, especially when growing in climates similar to its native habitat. It is known to have become naturalized in California and in the Andes, and has been declared a noxious weed in some areas. The plant can spread rapidly by seed, colonizing disturbed habitats and developing thick shrub communities that prevent colonization by native chaparral species. It may be a fire hazard during the dry season[, , ].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Mediterranean region - from Macaronesia to Tunisia in the south and from Portugal to Turkey and the Levant, extending east into the Caucasus and Syria

Habitat

Dry situations amongst rocks and in bushy places, usually on limestone soils[, ].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	3.50 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Originally from the Mediterranean, Spartium junceum has become naturalized from the temperate zone to the tropics. It is usually found at higher elevations of 2,000 metres or more in the tropics, but can also descend almost to sea level. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 15 - 22°c, but can tolerate 5 - 28°c[]. When dormant, the plant can survive occasional temperatures down to around -10°c, though in select, sheltered positions it is known to tolerate temperatures down to -18°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 600 - 900mm, but tolerates 290 - 1,400mm[].
Succeeds in any well-drained but not too fertile soil in a sunny position[]. Prefers a lime free soil according to one report[] whilst another says that it thrives on alkaline and poor sandy soils[]. The plant is very wind resistant, tolerating maritime exposure[, ]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution[] and thrives on hot dry banks[, ]. It prefers a pH in the range 6 - 7, tolerating 4.5 - 8.2[].
A very ornamental plant, it can flower all year round in the tropics[, ].
The flowers have a fragrance that has been likened to oranges[].
Plants can become leggy if grown in a sheltered position or too rich a soil[], but they can be pruned almost to the ground and will resprout from the base[]. They can also be trimmed in early spring in order to keep them more compact[].
Plants are intolerant of root disturbance, they are best grown in pots and planted out into their permanent positions whilst still small[].
Plants often self-sow in Britain[].
Rabbits love eating this plant when it is young[, ].
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[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The young herbaceous tips of flowering shoots are harvested in spring, generally in May[]. They can be used fresh or dried and are cardiotonic, cathartic, diuretic, emetic and purgative[, , ]. The seeds can also be used[]. The plant is an efficacious and potent diuretic[].
The plant (part not specified) is diuretic, sedative and vasoconstrictive[].
This plant is 5 - 6 times more active than the medicinally similar Cytisus scoparius and should be used with caution since large doses are likely to upset the stomach and cause purging[].

An infusion of the flowers is used in the treatment of peptic ulcers[]

Aqueous extracts of the plant have been shown to have antiulcerogenic activity1050].
A methanolic extract of the flowers has shown antiulcerogenic effect - an oleanen-type triterpenic saponin named spartitrioside being mainly responsible for this activity[TIPS]
A hexane extract of the flowers has shown antiinflammatory and analgesic activity[]
An extract of the branches has shown antileishmanial activity against Leishmania major[TIPS]

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant can provide good erosion control on dry slopes and hilly areas[].
The plant can be grown as a hedge and low windbreak[].

Other Uses

A fibre from the stems is a hemp substitute[]. It is used to make thread, cordage and coarse fabrics[, , , , , , ]. It is also used for stuffing pillows etc and for making paper[]. It is being used to make biocomposite materials made of biopolymer matrices and natural fibres. The fibre does not rot or lose strength in humid weather[].

The smaller stems are used in basket making[, , , , ]. The branches are often made into brooms[].
Plant stems can be rubberized and used for conveyer belts[].

A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers[, , , ].

An essential oil is obtained from the flowers, it is used in perfumery[, ]. 1200kg of flowers yields 300 - 350gr absolute[].
An extract of the flowers is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a masking agent[].

Propagation

Seed - pre-soak 24 hours in hot water and sow late winter/early spring in a greenhouse. It usually germinates well and quickly[, ]. The seed can also be autumn sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. If sufficient growth is made, it is possible to plant out in the summer, otherwise overwinter them in a cold frame and plant out in late spring of the following year.
Seed can be stored for at least 5 years[].