U'LEX HIBER'NICA. 
IRISH FURZE. 
Class. Order. 
M0NADELPI11A. DECANDRIA. 
Natural Order. 
LEGUMINOS/E. 
Native of 
Height. 
Flowers in 
Duration. 
Inhabits dry 
Ireland. 
3 feet. 
May. 
Perennial. 
pastures. 
No. 822. 
The name of this genus is said to be derived 
from a Celtic word, in allusion to its spines or 
sharp points. The French name, ajonc, has refer- 
ence to the same idea. 
The plant which we have now to notice is 
sometimes called Ulex strictus, but was first bo- 
tanically described by the late David Don, under the 
name we have adopted, and as a species distinct 
from Europseus and nanus. It flowers very spar- 
ingly, but it might be known at sight from its 
peculiar mode of growth ; which certainly is not 
elegant, although such as the florist may sometimes 
avail himself of with advantage. Each plant be- 
comes a compact formal round tuft, as sketched 
on our plate, and the flowers are borne on short 
straight upright branches, which appear like dis- 
tinct subjects, grown through a bed of moss. 
It has been strongly recommended as an agri- 
cultural plant, cattle and sheep being very fond 
of its young succulent shoots; and for such a 
purpose it may be increased, to any extent, with 
the greatest facility by layering, at any season of 
the year. It flourishes in a light soil. 
Don’s Syst. Bot. 2, 148. 
