Andalucia Life Fauna and Flora, Flowers of Andalucia Southern Spain

January 2007, Thorny Broom, Calycotome infesta

Readers who undertake this month's walk between now and May will be treated to swathes of colour from the Thorny Broom that covers the valley sides. In sunlight the golden yellow flowers are almost bright enough to hurt the eyes and contrast beautifully with the blue of the Rosemary bushes that flower at the same time. This plant is native to the western part of the Iberian peninsula and grows in the upland areas where it is an essential component of the garrigue.