About Ulex densus Welw. ex Webb
Ulex densus Welw. ex Webb is an evergreen shrub that reaches a maximum height of 0.5 m (1.6 ft). This species is heavily branched, growing into a tight, closed cushion shape. It has dry brown stems, with bright green growth on its outer surface. Its primary spines can grow up to 3 cm (1.2 in) long, while its secondary spines reach up to 1.5 cm (0.59 in) in length. Its fruits grow to the same size as the plant’s calyx, and each fruit contains between 1 and 2 seeds. Ulex densus is native to the central-west coast of Portugal, where it occurs primarily in the Lisbon District, southern Leiria District, and the Arrábida Natural Park. It inhabits coastal woods and cliffs, as well as more inland Quercus forests dominated by Quercus rotundifolia and Quercus suber. It grows at altitudes ranging from sea level up to 250 m (820 ft), and it prefers growing on limestone substrates.
