Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Genista canariensis L.

Frost-tender, unarmed, broom-like shrub with trifoliate, white-hairy leaves and terminal inflorescences of fragrant, bright yellow flowers.  To 2m.  [RHSD, Hortus].

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘It flowers abundantly in spring and the beginning of summer, may be increased by cuttings, and should be potted in light loam.  The blossoms are exceedingly bright and beautiful.’  [LBC no.1201/1828].  ‘A long standing inhabitant of our greenhouses.  The present plant corresponds with that which has been delineated by Clusius as the Spanish one; the specimen from the Canaries, deposited by Mr. Masson in the Banksian Herbarium, has a larger foliage and blossom. […] It is seldom permitted to attain the full size, but is renewed frequently, the young plants being more compact and sightly, as well as better suited to the greenhouse, where it must be kept in the winter.  Known to have been cultivated here in 1656.’  [BR f.217/1817].  Don.

History at Camden Park

Listed only in 1857 catalogue as Genista canariensis [T.515/1857].  See also Genista canariensis L. var. ramosissimus.

Notes

 

Published Dec 16, 2009 - 03:07 PM | Last updated Jul 21, 2010 - 12:04 PM

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Figured are blunt, tri-foliate leaves and pale yellow broom flowers. Botanical Register f.217, 1817.

Genista canariensis L. | BR f.217/1817 | BHL

Family Fabaceae
Category
Region of origin

Spain and the Canary Islands
Synonyms
  • Cytisus ramosissimus Poir.
  • Cytisus canariensis Steud.
  • Cytisus canariensis (L.) Kuntze var. ramosissimus
  • Teline canariensis Webb & Berthel. 
Common Name

Canary broom
Name in the Camden Park Record

Genista canariensis
Confidence level high