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Genista monspessulana

Species category

Weed

Common name

French broom

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

True seedTrue seed:
A mature fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo, with or without and external food reserve (e.g., endosperm) enclosed by the testa.

Shape

Cubical to rhombic

Size

  • Length 2.5 mm
  • Width 2.5 mm
  • Thickness 1 mm

Color

Brown or black

Texture

Nearly smooth

Other structures

Large arilAril:
An outgrowth of the ovule or funiculus.
 structure over the hilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).

Identification notes

Seeds appear relatively cubic in outline. CaruncleCaruncle:
An appendage or outgrowth of the outer integument of the seed, e.g. leafy spurge.
-like arilAril:
An outgrowth of the ovule or funiculus.
 over the hilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
 is lighter yellow to white.

Noxious weed seed categories

State Noxious Weed: California, Hawaii

AOSA examination list

Not included

Nomenclature

Family

Fabaceae

Valid name

Genista monspessulana (L.) L.A.S. Johnson

Synonyms

Cytisus monspessulanus L.
Teline monspessulana (L.) K. Koch

Genista monspessulana. Seeds with a caruncle-like aril over the hilum that is light yellow to white. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.
Genista monspessulana. Seeds with a caruncle-like aril over the hilum that is light yellow to white. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.