Genista tenera

Genista tenera, commonly known as the tender broom, is a resilient shrub native to specific Mediterranean and temperate regions. Valued in traditional ethnobotany, this plant features delicate yellow blooms and dense foliage. It is primarily studied for its bioactive compounds, offering significant potential in developing natural therapeutic applications.

  • Scientific name: Genista tenera
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales. Ultimately, it resides in the family Fabaceae under the genus Genista.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Fabales WCVP
Family Fabaceae WCVP
Genus Genista WCVP

Common Names

This plant, scientifically known as Genista tenera, is recognized by several local designations depending on the region. In Portuguese, it is commonly referred to by the name piorno, and it is also frequently called piorno da madeira.
Language Common Name Source
pt piorno Wikidata
pt piorno da madeira Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is specifically recognized for its limited and unique geographical distribution. It is found exclusively within the Macaronesian region, which is a volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. More precisely, its natural habitat is restricted to the island of Madeira. This highly localized range suggests that the species is an endemic element of the island's unique flora. Consequently, the survival of Genista tenera is closely tied to the specific environmental conditions provided by its Madeiran home.

Region Area Source
Macaronesia Madeira WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Genista tenera, is primarily utilized for its medicinal properties through the application of its aerial parts. These above-ground structures, which encompass the stems, leaves, and flowers, contain the active compounds necessary for therapeutic use. By harvesting the aerial parts, practitioners can access the concentrated phytochemicals developed during the plant's growth cycle to prepare various traditional remedies.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
aerial parts 2 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Genista tenera has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include isoflavones.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
isoflavones 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Genista tenera has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antidiabetic.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆