genista

[ juh-nis-tuh ]

/ dʒəˈnɪs tə /

any plant belonging to the genus Genista, of the legume family, having showy flowers and including many species of broom.

a related plant, Cytisus canariensis, of the Canary Islands, having loose clusters of fragrant yellow flowers.

Origin of genista

1615–25; < New Latin, Latin: the broomplant

He afterwards took the name of Plantagenet (Planta genista) and transmitted it to his princely posterity.

Plant Lore, Legends, and Lyrics |Richard Folkard
It feeds in July and August on broom, dyer's greenweed (Genista tinctoria), persicaria, and other low plants.

The Moths of the British Isles, First Series |Richard South
The Genista tomentosa yields red petals used in dyeing, and containing much tannic acid.

The Commercial Products of the Vegetable Kingdom |P. L. Simmonds
The only prominent form of vegetation is a peculiar tall broom—Genista Etnensis—which here flourishes.

Etna |G. F. Rodwell

The other species of Genista should not be pruned, except to keep them in shape.

Trees and Shrubs for English Gardens |Ernest Thomas Cook