SPANISH

See also:

• BROOM

BROOM  , a handsome shrub with long switch-like green few-leaved or leafless branches and large yellow sweet-scented papilionaceous flowers . It is a member of the Pea family (Leguminosae), and known botanically as Spartium junceum . It is a native of the Mediterranean region and the Canary Islands, and is often cultivated . The whole plant, but especially the flower shoots and seeds (herby et semen genistae his panicae vel junceae), have a bitter taste and tonic and diuretic properties, and were formerly used medicinally . The fibres of the young stems were used in making nets, carpets, mats, baskets, &c .