Genista aetnensis

Botanical Description

Genista aetnensis is an evergreen shrub or a small tree, usually growing up to 4 - 6 metres tall though specimens up to 9 metres have been recorded. An erect shrub, the young branches have a graceful, pendulous habit. The main stem can be 15 - 30cm in diameter. The leaves are very small and sparsely produced, with most of the photosynthesis being carried out by the young green stems[ 11 Title Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Publication Author Bean. W. Publisher Murray Year 1981 ISBN - Description A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures. , 200 Title The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. Publication Author Huxley. A. Publisher MacMillan Press Year 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5 Description Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed. ]. The plant is grown as a native pioneer plant to restore woodland areas. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens, being especially valued for its floral display in mid summer.. Genista aetnensis is found only on the islands of Sardinia and Sicily, where it has a large extent of occurrence. There are some threats known, but not thought to be causing significant declines. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[ 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ].