G. ANXANTICA.—­Naples, 1818.  This is a nearly allied species to our native G. tinctoria, and is of dwarf growth with a rich abundance of golden yellow flowers that are produced towards the end of summer.

G. CINEREA (syn G. ramosissima), from South Europe, is a very beautiful and desirable species, a yard high, and bearing in July slender twigs of the brightest yellow flowers.

G. EPHEDROIDES.—­Corsica and Sardinia, 1832.  With small and abundantly-produced flowers, this resembles Ephedra, hence its name.

G. GERMANICA.—­Germany, 1773.  This is a handsome rock garden shrub, of fully 18 inches in height, with arching stems and a plentiful supply of bright flowers during the summer and autumn months.

G. HISPANICA.—­South-western Europe, 1759.  This species resembles our common Broom, but the branches are not angular.  The large, yellow, fragrant flowers appear in July.  There is a charming double-flowered variety named G. hispanica flore-pleno.

G. LUSITANICA.—­Portugal, 1771.  This is remarkable for its opposite branches, is of spiny growth, and one of the earliest to appear in flower.

G. MONOSPERMA.—­South Europe, 1690.  This has white flowers, and is of value as a seaside shrub, and grows well in almost pure sand.  A native of the Mediterranean coast.

G. PILOSA.—­Greenweed.  Europe (Britain).  This is a dense prostrate native species, with bright yellow blossoms produced freely during May and June.  A delightful rock shrub, and one that will succeed well almost in pure gravel.

G. PROSTRATA.—­Burgundy and Alps of Jura, 1775.  A small-growing species suitable for rock gardening, and of spreading bushy growth.  Flowers small, but ornamental, and produced in May and June.

G. RADIATA (syn Spartium radiatum).—­South Europe, 1758.  This is a slender-growing shrub, about 18 inches high, with narrow leaflets, and terminal heads of yellow flowers produced in summer.

G. SAGITTALIS.—­South Europe, 1750.  With its peculiarly winged and jointed stems, which are of a deep green colour, this is one of the most distinct forms.  The flowers are few but pretty, and with the dwarf habit render the plant an excellent subject for rockwork.

G. TINCTORIA.—­Dyers’ Greenweed.  Europe (Britain), North and West Asia.  This is a spineless species, and bears a profusion of yellow flowers from July onwards.  The double-flowering variety, G. tinctoria flore-pleno, is, in so far as ornamental qualities are concerned, superior to the parent form.

G. TINCTORIA ELATIOR (syn G. elatior) grows to 12 feet in height, is of free, spreading growth, and a very handsome plant.  The flowers, which are individually small and yellow, are so thickly produced that the shrub, in late summer, has the appearance of a sheet of gold.

G. TRIANGULARIS (syn G. triquetra).—­South Europe, 1815.  This is a decidedly good garden plant, and of neat, trailing habit.  The stems are three sided, and the flowers golden yellow and plentifully produced.  A native of South Europe, and perfectly hardy in almost any position.