White-Flowered Broom

cytisus supranubius

The White-Flowered Broom, scientifically known as Cytisus supranubius, is an iconic subalpine shrub endemic to the high-altitude volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands, most notably Mount Teide on Tenerife and the highlands of La Palma. Locally called 'Retama del Teide', this resilient plant plays a vital ecological role, forming dense scrub communities that stabilize the loose volcanic soil and provide shelter for local fauna. It is celebrated for its spectacular spring display, where it transforms the rugged, barren caldera into a sea of fragrant white and pink blossoms.

Habitat: Found in high-altitude volcanic scrublands and subalpine zones, typically at elevations between 1,800 and 3,000 meters above sea level.

Appearance

This highly branched, rounded shrub typically reaches heights of 1 to 3 meters. It is characterized by its stiff, upright, grey-green stems that appear largely leafless for most of the year, a specialized adaptation to reduce water loss. The leaves are small, narrow, and trifoliate, falling off early in the season. In late spring, it bursts into dense, terminal clusters of small, pea-like white or pale pink flowers that blanket the plant and emit a highly sweet, honey-like fragrance.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFabalesFamilyFabaceaeGenusCytisus

White-Flowered Broom

Interesting facts

Beekeepers move their hives to the Teide caldera in spring to produce 'Miel de Retama' (Broom Honey), a highly prized, light-colored local honey.

The species name 'supranubius' translates directly to 'above the clouds', describing its high-altitude habitat.

When in full bloom, the sweet scent of thousands of these shrubs can be smelled from miles away across the volcanic plateau.

Special abilities

Utilizes its green, broom-like stems to perform photosynthesis when leaves are shed to conserve moisture in dry, high-altitude air.

Houses symbiotic Rhizobium bacteria in its root nodules, allowing it to fix atmospheric nitrogen and enrich nutrient-poor volcanic soils.

Withstands intense solar radiation, extreme summer heat, drought, and freezing winter temperatures typical of alpine environments.

Measurements & details

Length: 100-300 cm
Lifespan: 20-50 years

Diet & Feeding

As a photosynthetic plant, it synthesizes its own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water, supplemented by nitrogen fixed from the atmosphere through root symbiosis.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Carbon dioxide
Water
Soil minerals

Ecological connections

mutualism

Canary Island Bumblebee

Bombus canariensis

Provides abundant nectar for pollination, which is critical for local honey production.

eaten by

European Rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

The introduced European rabbit grazes heavily on young seedlings and shoots, threatening natural regeneration.

mutualism

Tenerife Lizard

Gallotia galloti

The endemic lizard feeds on the fallen flowers and helps disperse the seeds.

Traits

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Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify White-Flowered Broom?

The easiest way to identify White-Flowered Broom is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is White-Flowered Broom?

100-300 cm

How long does White-Flowered Broom live?

20-50 years

What does White-Flowered Broom eat?

As a photosynthetic plant, it synthesizes its own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water, supplemented by nitrogen fixed from the atmosphere through root symbiosis.

Where is White-Flowered Broom usually found?

Found in high-altitude volcanic scrublands and subalpine zones, typically at elevations between 1,800 and 3,000 meters above sea level.