Genistiini

Genistiini is a tribe of flowering plants in the legume family, Fabaceae, within the subfamily Faboideae. The exact circumscription of Genistiini has varied among classification systems, and in many schemes it is treated as part of a larger group associated with Genisteae or as a distinct lineage within the Genistoids. Modern molecular phylogenetic studies have led to revisions in the grouping of genera traditionally placed in Genistiini, resulting in differing treatments across classifications.

Members of the group are typically shrubs or small trees. They often have small, compound leaves and inflorescences arranged in racemes or spikes. Flowers are papilionaceous (butterfly-like) and commonly display yellow to pale tones. The fruit is a legume. Many taxa in this lineage are adapted to dry, calcareous soils and occur across the Old World, with notable presence in the Mediterranean region, North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of western Asia; some species also occur in Macaronesia.

Ecology and human uses: these plants frequently contribute to early-succession communities in arid and semi-arid habitats. Several genera within the broader Genisteae/Genistoids are grown ornamentally for their bright yellow blooms. Some species, such as those in Cytisus and Genista groups, contain cytisine, an alkaloid that can be toxic to livestock if ingested.

See also: Genisteae, Fabaceae, Genistoids.