Fifteen species of dwarf to cushion shrublets from South America. They are somewhat gorse-like with leaves that have become partially modified into sharp, rigid spines. Each leaf is subtended by a pair of stipules, frequently equally sharp. The typical broom-shaped flowers are usually rich yellow to soft orange, but the genus also includes the legendary Patagonian scarlet gorse A. desideratum. Many, if not all, species produce explosive seed pods. All species are adapted to dry, even very dry, sandy or light-soiled habitats such as desert steppe, hot foothills or exposed alpine situations with low or negligible summer rainfall.

Uses

In gardens it is possible that one or two species from less extreme climatic backgrounds, such as A. cumingii, might adapt to a sunny, well drained, open scree. However, until they are produced in sufficient quantity to risk experiment, it would be safer to grow them in the alpine house with maximum light and airflow.

(Heights of plants below are quoted from measurements in the wild and must be considered fairly approximate).