Genistas

Genistas is a genus of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae, commonly known as brooms. They are native to western and central Europe, with a particular concentration of species in the Iberian Peninsula. Genistas are typically shrubs, though some can be small trees. They are characterized by their usually green, often broom-like branches, and their bright yellow flowers that bloom in spring and summer. These flowers are a characteristic papilionaceous type, typical of the pea family.

The leaves of genistas are often small and simple, or trifoliate, and can be deciduous or evergreen depending on the species. Many species are well-adapted to poor, dry, or sandy soils and are often found in coastal areas, heathlands, and rocky slopes. Their ability to fix nitrogen makes them valuable in colonizing nutrient-poor environments.

Several species are cultivated as ornamental plants for their vibrant floral displays, including Cytisus scoparius, the common broom, and Genista pilosa, the silky-flowered or creeping broom. However, some genistas, particularly Cytisus scoparius, are considered invasive in certain regions outside their native range due to their rapid growth and ability to outcompete native vegetation. The genus name "Genista" is derived from the Latin word for broom.