Ulex parviflorus is a species of gorse native to France, the Iberian Peninsula, and parts of the Maghreb.
Ulex parviflorus was described by Pierre André Pourret in 1788.
Ulex parviflorus, or Mediterranean Gorse, is a dense, thorny, evergreen shrub native to the Western Mediterranean, known for its bright yellow flowers in winter, spiny leaves, nitrogen-fixing ability, fire-adapted seeds that germinate after burns, and use in low-maintenance gardens or erosion control, despite being highly flammable.
Common Names: Mediterranean Gorse, Aliaga, Aulaga, Gatosa, Ajonc de Provence.
Appearance: A very spiny, bushy shrub, usually 1-2 meters tall, with no true leaves (modified into spines), and profuse yellow flowers.
Habitat: Thrives in dry, sunny Mediterranean shrublands (garrigues) and pine forests, tolerating various soils and drought.
Flowering: Winter-flowering, pollinated by bees, flies, and beetles.
Reproduction: Produces small pods with 1-3 seeds that are explosively dispersed; fire-induced heat breaks seed dormancy, promoting germination.
Ecological Role: A nitrogen-fixer, helping restore degraded soils, and excellent for erosion control on slopes.
Uses: Low-maintenance landscaping, coastal gardens, barrier hedges, and land restoration.
Flammability: Highly flammable, historically used for fuel but now a fire management consideration.
Distinguishing Feature: Unlike related species, it often lacks leaves or has very small ones, focusing energy on spines.
