U L E X ' nanus*
D w a r f Furze.
HI A D E L P H IA Hecandna.
G e n . C h a r . Cal. of 2 leaves, almoft as long as th e
pod. Stamina all connected.
S p e c . C h a r . Teeth o f the calyx lanceolate, fpreading.
Bradteae minute, clofe-prefled. Branches reclining.
Syn. Ulex nanus. Forjl. in Sym. Syn. 1 6 0 . Sm.
FI. Brit. 757.
U . europeeus (3. Linn. Sp. PI. 1045. FLudf. 312.
Relb. 270. With. 626, w r , 2. Hull. 139,va r. 2.
Genifta fpinofa.minor. Rail Syn. 475.
T h i s , which moft botanifts have confidered as a variety of
the Common Furze, is by no means fo general a plant, though
it grows copioufly upon dry elevated heaths in many parts of
the kingdom. It is at firft fight diftinguifhed by its much
more humble, and partly proftrate, growth; its fmaller and
paler flowers,1 which are chiefly produced from Auguft to
October; and a certain elongated and cylindrical form of the
branches laden with flowers interfperfed with horizontal, or
partly deflexed, fpines. Thefe however are not all its diftin-
guifhing marks. The flowers afford certain fpecific characters.
The bradtese are very minute, brown, clofe-prefled to the
calyx, often hardly vifible. The calyx is more filky and
yellow; its teeth deeply cut, fpreading, and very evident: a
circumftance which will always prevent its being confounded
with the other fpecies.
Thefe plants, though fo common with us, are by no means
of general occurrence throughout Europe. Portugal, and the
weftern parts of France, produce them more plentifully than
any other country except our own.