Calicotome villosa

The hairy thorny broom and spiny broom in the pea or Fabaceae family. It is a small shrubby tree native to the eastern Mediterranean region, growing to 1–2 m tall.

Note that C. villosa is closely related to C. infesta which has pods that are covered by more short yellowish hairs (less than 1 mm).

• The shrub is very spiny; twigs are villous (covered with long, soft hairs).
• Leaves are digitate (shaped like a spread hand), with three leaflets, inserted in clusters on branchlets.
• Flowers are bright yellow, pea-like, inserted in the middle of the leaves on branchlets. The tree blossoms in January to April.
• Fruit is a densely villous pod.