Biology:Ulex densus

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Short description: Species of legume

Ulex densus
Ulex densus habitat.jpg
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Genus: Ulex
Species:
U. densus
Binomial name
Ulex densus
Webb

Ulex densus (Portuguese: tojo-gatunho or tojo-da-charneca)[2] is an evergreen shrub in the family Fabaceae endemic to Portugal.

Description

Ulex densus is an evergreen shrub up to 0.5 m (1.6 ft) in height. It is densely ramified and forms a compact, closed pillow with dry brown stems and a bright green outside. It has spines up to 3 cm (1.2 in) long and secondary spines up to 1.5 cm (0.59 in). Fruits are as large as the plant's calyx and have 1-2 seeds.[3]

Distribution and habitat

Ulex densus grows in the central-west coast of Portugal, mainly on the Lisbon District, southern Leiria District and in the Arrábida Natural Park. It lives in woods and cliffs along the coast, but also Quercus forests (Quercus rotundifolia and Quercus suber) more inland, from sea level to 250 m (820 ft) altitude and prefers limestone substrates.[1][3][4]

Threats

It is mainly threatened by quarries, urbanisation, industrial or commercial areas, communication networks, trampling, overuse and natural fires.[1]

References

Wikidata ☰ Q2752746 entry