Ecology Distribution Management Info Impact Info References and Links Contacts

Interim profile, incomplete information Taxonomic name: Genista monspessulana (L.) L.A.S. Johnson Synonyms: Cytisus monspessulanus L., Cytisus monspessulanus var. umbellulatus (Webb) Briq., Teline candicans var. umbellulatus Webb & Berthel., Teline monspessulana (L.) K. Koch Common names: Canary broom, Cape broom, French broom, Montpellier broom, Montpellierbrem (Afrikaans), soft broom Organism type: shrub The evergreen shrub Genista monspessulana, commonly known as French broom or Cape broom is capable of forming dense thickets in native vegetation, on grazing land, roadsides etc. These dense infestations can exclude native species. They are toxic to cattle if grazed excessively. French broom also increase fire fuel-loads in agricultural areas and in native vegetation. Fire stimulates seed germination by breaking the dormancy of soil-stored seed resulting in dense recruitment of seedlings. A small percentage of seeds are also capable of germinating on exposure to suitable temperature and soil moisture conditions. This variation in seed dormancy and germination increases the difficulty of control. Occurs in: agricultural areas, range/grasslands, ruderal/disturbed, scrub/shrublands, urban areas Geographical range Native range: Africa: Northern Africa- Algeria and Morocco; Temperate Asia: Western Asia- Turkey, Lebanon; Caucasus: Georgia; Europe: Southeastern Europe- Albania, Former Yugoslavia, Greece, Italy [incl. Sardinia, Sicily]; Southwestern Europe- France [Corsica]; Portugal; Spain (USDA-ARS, 2011) . Known introduced range: United States- California, Orgeon and Washington (USDA-NRCS, 2011) Hawaii (USDA-ARS, 2011) ; Portugal: Azores; Pacific: Hawaii; Northern Europe: United Kingdom; South America (USDA-ARS, 2011) Compiled by: National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) & IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) To contribute information, please contact Shyama Pagad. Last Modified: Wednesday, 27 April 2011