Ulex argenteus | |
---|---|
Ulex argenteus in flower in Castro Marim, Portugal | |
Conservation status | |
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1) | |
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.
Description
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.
Taxonomy and systematics
Ulex argenteus is a diploid species. Ulex canescens (diploid), and Ulex erinaceus and Ulex subsericeus (both polyploid) have been included in Ulex argenteus in the past, as subspecies or synonyms. However, phylogenetic evidence suggests they are not closely related to U. argenteus.
Distribution and habitat
The species is distributed in southern Portugal, growing in both metamorphic and calcareous hills.
Conservation
The species has a narrow distribution range but remains common in suitable habitat. As a result, it has been assessed as Least Concern.
References
- ^ Buira, A., Carapeto, A., García Murillo, P.G. & Monteiro-Henriques, T. (2016). "Ulex argenteus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T83827824A86136466. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T83827824A86136466.en. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
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: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link){{cite iucn}}: |date= / |doi= mismatch (help) - ^ Cubas, P. (1999). "Ulex L.". In Castroviejo, S. (ed.). Flora ibérica: plantas vasculares de la Península Ibérica e Islas Baleares: Vol. VII, 1, Leguminosae (Partim). Real Jardín Botánico, CSIC. pp. 212–239. ISBN 84-00-07821-7.
- ^ Ainouche, Abdelkader; Bayer, Randall J.; Cubas, Paloma; Misset, Marie-Thérèse (2003). "Phylogenetic relationships within tribe Genisteae (Papilionoideae) with special reference to genus Ulex". In Klitgaard, B.B.; Bruneau, A. (eds.). Advances in Legume Systematics part 10, Higher Level Systematics. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. pp. 239–252.
- Webb, D.A. (1967). "Some Taxonomic Notes on Ulex sensu lato". Feddes Repertorium. 74 (1–2): 4–6.
- ^ Fonseca, J.P.; Pereira, A.; Robalo, J.I.; Neto, C.; Costa, J.C. (20 January 2021). "Ribosomal DNA revealed an extensive role of allopolyploidy in the radiation of Ulex L.". bioRxiv 10.1101/2021.01.20.427424.