''Ulex argenteus'' is a species of gorse native to southern Portugal (

Algarve The Algarve (, , ) is the southernmost NUTS statistical regions of Portugal, NUTS II region of continental Portugal. It has an area of with 467,495 permanent inhabitants and incorporates 16 municipalities (concelho, ''concelhos'' or ''município ...

and Alentejo) in the

Iberian Peninsula The Iberian Peninsula ( ), also known as Iberia, is a peninsula in south-western Europe. Mostly separated from the rest of the European landmass by the Pyrenees, it includes the territories of peninsular Spain and Continental Portugal, comprisin ...

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 In Taxonomy (biology), biological classification, subspecies (: subspecies) is a rank below species, used for populations that live in different areas and vary in size, shape, or other physical characteristics (Morphology (biology), morpholog ...

or synonyms. However,

phylogenetic In biology, phylogenetics () is the study of the evolutionary history of life using observable characteristics of organisms (or genes), which is known as phylogenetic inference. It infers the relationship among organisms based on empirical dat ...

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

{{Taxonbar, from=Q15544627 argenteus Flora of Portugal Endemic flora of the Iberian Peninsula Plants described in 1852