Genisteae

Genisteae is a tribe of flowering plants in the legume family Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae. It comprises a group of mostly woody shrubs and small trees native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, with several species introduced elsewhere. Members of Genisteae are commonly known as broom or gorse, with common names varying by genus (for example, broom and gorse refer to Genista/Cytisus and Ulex, respectively). The tribe is characterized by woody growth, often spiny branches, and leaves that may be reduced to small scales or absent in some taxa. Flowers are typical papilionaceous (pea-like), usually arranged in racemes or dense inflorescences, with yellow corollas being common. The fruit is a legume that develops from the fertilized flowers.

Genera within Genisteae include Genista, Cytisus, Spartium, Ulex, Retama, and Calicotome, among others. Genista and Cytisus encompass many broom species, which are frequently used ornamentally and play roles in Mediterranean ecosystems as nitrogen-fixers. Ulex species form extensive thorny thickets known as gorse and are notable for their hardiness in poor soils. Retama and Calicotome contribute slender, spiny shrubs characteristic of scrub and heathland habitats.

Ecology and distribution: Genisteae species are well adapted to dry, nutrient-poor soils typical of Mediterranean-type climates. They often occur in open woodlands, scrublands, and coastal habitats. Some species have become invasive outside their native ranges. The taxonomy of Genisteae has seen revisions with molecular studies, leading to changes in the circumscription of genera within the tribe in some classifications, but Genisteae remains a widely recognized grouping for spiny, yellow-flowered legumes in Faboideae.