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Genista tridentata - L.

Common Name Carqueja, Prickled broom
Family Fabaceae
USDA hardiness 8-11
Known Hazards None Known
Habitats A perennial under-storey shrub found in Mediterranean woodland, bushland, heathland and thicket.
Range West Mediterranean - Morocco, Portugal and Spain.
Edibility Rating    (3 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (3 of 5)
Care (info)
Tender Well drained soil Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Genista tridentata Carqueja, Prickled broom


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Genista tridentata Carqueja, Prickled broom
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Summary

Genista is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family Fabaceae, native to open habitats such as moorland and pasture in Europe and western Asia. They include species commonly called broom.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Genista tridentata is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, Insects.
It can fix Nitrogen.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Homotypic Synonyms: Chamaespartium tridentatum (L.) P.E.Gibbs. Cytisus tridentatus (L.) Vuk. Genistella tridentata (L.) Samp. Pterospartum tridentatum (L.) K.Koch.

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Genista tridentata is a plant from the Fabaceae family used in the Iberian Peninsula as a seasoning and flavouring agent. It is one of several plants that enhance the taste and smell of food while also providing bioactive properties that help preserve food. This plant, along with others from families like Lamiaceae and Apiaceae, plays a crucial role in traditional cuisine, particularly in rural areas. Historically, such plants were essential during famine periods, providing vital nutrition. In traditional practices, herbs like Genista tridentata were used to create sauces and pastes, such as the traditional Portuguese "piso," made from crushed herbs mixed with garlic, salt, and olive oil. These preparations could be stored for long periods while retaining their properties. Additionally, Genista tridentata is also used in various beverages, liqueurs, and herbal teas consumed regularly [2-4] .

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


Genista tridentata L. is used in Portuguese traditional medicine to treat inflammation-related diseases. Its health benefits are largely attributed to the flavonoids it produces. Research has shown that these flavonoids have significant anti-inflammatory properties. A review of scientific literature, mainly from the Scopus database, reveals that Genista tridentata is used to treat various health issues such as high blood sugar, hypertension, and inflammation. The plant is rich in flavonoids, including genistein, biochanin A, rutin, and daidzein, which are notable for their potential anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, Genista tridentata is considered a valuable source of bioactive flavonoids that support its traditional medicinal use for treating inflammation.

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

A good understory plant. Nitrogen Fixer.

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Genista tridentata is a hardy phanerophyte shrub that thrives with minimal care. It prefers well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight to bloom. Adapted to harsh environments with sporadic rainfall, this plant requires little watering. Symbiotic nitrogen fixation: symbiosis with rhizobia. Prefers an acid soil and will not tolerate an alkaline soil. It has a dense array of tiny, trifoliate leaves adapted to conserve water in its arid native habitat. It has vibrant yellow flowers. Genista tridentata's compact growth and ability to thrive on poor, rocky soils make it emblematic of Mediterranean resilience.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Fahrenheit:

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Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

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Plant Propagation

Seed.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Galician: Carqueixa.

Native Range

Native to Algeria, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, and Tunisia.

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

None Known

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Least Concern

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Genista germanica Shrub0.6 4-8  LMNDM011
Genista hispanicaSpanish GorseShrub0.8 5-9  LMNDM013
Genista pilosaHairy greenweed, silkyleaf broomShrub0.3 5-8 SLMSNDM003
Genista pilosa procumbensCreeping broom, Creeping hairy broomShrub0.1 6-8 SLMSNDM003
Genista sagittalisWinged Broom, Arrow BroomShrub0.3 3-8 MLMSNDM003
Genista tinctoriaDyer's Greenweed, Common Woadwaxen, BroomShrub0.6 4-7 MLMNDM123

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

L.

Botanical References

Links / References

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