Ulex argenteus

Ulex argenteus
Ulex argenteus in flower in Castro Marim, Portugal
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1) [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. ^[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]}

Distribution and habitat

The species is distributed in southern Portugal, growing in both metamorphic and calcareous hills. ^{[2] [5]}

Conservation

The species has a narrow distribution range but remains common in suitable habitat. As a result, it has been assessed as Least Concern. ^[1]

References

1. 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.{{cite iucn}}: |date= / |doi= mismatch (help)
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Webb, D.A. (1967). "Some Taxonomic Notes on Ulex sensu lato". Feddes Repertorium. 74 (1–2): 4–6.
5. 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 .