Cape Broom
(GENISTA MONSPESSULANA)
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Cape Broom flower
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Cape Broom leaf
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Cape Broom stem
STATUS: Regionally Controlled Weed
STEMS: Erect woody and ridged. Finely hairy; one main stem with many branches.
LEAVES: Shortly stalked and made up of three leaflets which are hairy underneath
FLOWERS: Bright yellow, pea like, about 1.2cm long, shortly stalked, occurring singly or in clusters of up to nine in leaf axils. Appearing in late winter through spring.
FRUIT: A brown or black flat silky pod containing five to eight seeds.
SEED: Dark brown to black, rounded and flattened, 2mm diameter, smooth and shiny.
INVADES: Forests, neglected areas, roadsides and watercourses.
DISPERSAL: Vegetatively, machinery and soil disturbance.
CONTROL: It will take at least five years to get rid of broom. Seed can stay in the ground for 30 years but burning can germinate the seed. BBRLG recommends hand-pulling small plants. Spray broom with a cocktail of Brush Off as directed, but also add 10ml per litre of Round Up. Mowing can be good, as long it is before the plant seeds.