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Broom (Genet) (Spartium Junceum)
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Spartium junceum, commonly known as Spanish broom or weaver's broom, is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae.
It is the sole species in the genus Spartium, but is closely related to the other brooms in the genera Cytisus and Genista.
The Latin specific epithet junceum means "rush-like", referring to the shoots, which show a passing resemblance to those of the rush genus Juncus.
This species is native to the Mediterranean in southern Europe, southwest Asia and northwest Africa, where it is found in sunny sites, usually on dry, sandy soils.
S. junceum is a vigorous, deciduous shrub growing to 2–4 m (7–13 ft) tall, rarely 5 m (16 ft), with main stems up to 5 cm (2 in) thick, rarely 10 cm (4 in). It has thick, somewhat succulent grey-green rush-like shoots with very sparse small deciduous leaves 1 to 3 cm long and up to 4 mm broad. The leaves are of little importance to the plant, with much of the photosynthesis occurring in the green shoots (a water-conserving strategy in its dry climate). The leaves fall away early. In late spring and summer shoots are covered in profuse fragrant yellow pea-like flowers 1 to 2 cm across. In late summer, the legumes (seed pods) mature black and reach 8–10 cm (3–4 in) long. They burst open, often with an audible crack, spreading seed from the parent plant.
Spartium junceum has been widely introduced into other areas, and is regarded as a noxious invasive species in places with a Mediterranean climate such as California and Oregon, Hawaii, central Chile, southeastern Australia, the Western Cape in South Africa and the Canary Islands and Azores. It was first introduced to California as an ornamental plant.
The plant is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and in landscape plantings. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
In Bolivia and Peru, the plant is known as retama,(not to be confused with the genus Retama) and has become very well established in some areas. It is one of the most common ornamental plants, often seen growing along sidewalks in La Paz.
Retama has made its way into the ethnobotany of the indigenous Aymara and Quechua cultures.
The plant is also used as a flavoring, and for its essential oil, known as genet absolute. Its fibers have been used for cloth and it produces a yellow dye.
Medicinal Action and Uses
The Spanish Broom in its medicinal properties closely resembles the common Broom, but is from five to six times more active. The essential oil is employed in the pharmaceutical industry because of its vasoconstrictor and tonic properties. In traditional medicines, dried flowers are used at very low dosages in infusion for their diuretic and purgative virtues.The symptoms produced by overdoses are vomiting and purging, with renal irritation. The seeds have been used to a considerable extent in dropsy, in the form of a tincture.
Cosmetics and Perfumery
Essential oil and absolute of Spartium junceum is used in cosmetics and perfumery. The oil possesses disinfecting properties, and softens the body muscles. It is highly effective against depression in driving away negative thoughts.
This is what others way about the aroma of Spartium Junceum absolute: “The aroma is sweet honey floral, fresh tea rose floral, with a joyous dark fruit floral note comparable to orange blossom entwined with hay and tobacco nuances.” And, “The honey-rose notes are particularly useful in certain types of rose bases, tuberose, cassie, mimosa, violet, honeysuckle, etc. It blends excellently with ionones, vetiver, castoreum, etc. in “tabac” notes, and it is generally useful in modern aldehydic perfume types, green notes, etc.”
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spartium
https://botanical.com/~botanid5/botanical/mgmh/b/brospa73.html
Disclaimer: The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
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