Family: Fabaceae
Common name: Moroccan broom, Pineapple broom, Silver broom
Pineapple broom or Moroccan broom is a large shrub or small tree that grows well in temperate regions. They are native to Morocco and are widely cultivated as ornamental plants around the world, loved for their bright yellow flowers.
Plant characteristics
These plants can grow to a height of 3-5 meters with a brownish-gray stem that is initially smooth, later growing rough and fissured.
Younger branches are covered with fine hairs that give the plant a silvery sheen. Pineapple broom branches grow upright and heavily branched, giving the plant a very bushy, rounded crown.
Belonging to the green peas and beans family of Fabaceae, these plants have fibrous roots with nitrogen-fixing bacteria that can convert atmospheric nitrogen into nitrates and nitrites that can be absorbed by other plants.
Leaves of the Pineapple broom are oblong with a rounded end, and are trifoliate, i.e., each leaf is made up of three leaflets.
Leaves are also covered with fine silver-gray hairs that give them a velvety texture. Leaves are 5-10 cm long and emit a pleasant fragrance when crushed.
Flowers of the Pineapple broom are bright yellow, growing in big bunches, blooming profusely in spring and summer.
These flowers are yellow in color, shaped like miniature pineapples and they also have the distinct fragrance of pineapples, giving the plant its name.
Each individual flower is small, about 1-2 cm in diameter and has the characteristic shape of pea flowers. The flower clusters are 15-20 cm long, filling the plant with color.
After pollination, the flowers produce seed pods that are 5-8 cm long. They are initially green, later turning brown before they split open to release the seeds. Pineapple broom seedpods are about 5-8 cm long containing small blackish-brown seeds.
Gardening tips
Pineapple broom plants grow well in good, direct sunlight and well-drained soil. They are capable of tolerating poor soil conditions, and are relatively drought-tolerant.
In fact, the plants do well when they are left alone without too much care and attention.
Once the plants are established in the soil, they do not need watering or fertilization. Occasional pruning can keep the plant bushy and compact. Pineapple brooms do not like to grow in the shade, and hence they are not good indoor plants.
These plants are reasonably tolerant of pests and infections. Spraying neem water once in a month can prevent any likely infestations the plant might develop.
Uses of pineapple broom
Though they are mostly grown as ornamentals, Pineapple broom plants have some other uses as well. The nitrogen-fixing bacteriae in the roots of these plants improve the soil quality thus helping other plants grow and thrive.
The abundant flowers of the Pineapple broom with their fruity scent can invite butterflies, bees, and insects into the garden helping in pollination of other plants as well.
Since the plants are tolerant of drought, they can be used in xeriscaping in areas of water shortage.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds and stem cuttings. Seeds are capable of germinating easily in moist, well-drained soil.
Photographed at: KEW gardens, London
