Ulex argenteus
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| Ulex argenteus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Ulex argenteus in flower in Castro Marim, Portugal | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Subfamily: | Faboideae |
| Genus: | Ulex |
| Species: | U. argenteus |
| Binomial name | |
| Ulex argenteus Webb | |
Ulex argenteus is a species of gorse native to southern Portugal (Algarve and Alentejo) in the Iberian Peninsula.
Ulex argenteus is a low-growing shrub with an open branching structure. Branches, stems, and spines are densely covered in short erect hairs, which give the species a silvery colour. Spines are thin and straight or sometimes slightly arched. The calyx is typically 7.5 to 8.5 mm long.[2]
Taxonomy and systematics
Ulex argenteus is a diploid species.[3] Ulex canescens (diploid), and Ulex erinaceus and Ulex subsericeus (both polyploid) have been included in Ulex argenteus in the past, as subspecies or synonyms.[2][4] However, phylogenetic evidence suggests they are not closely related to U. argenteus.[3] [5]