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Family: Fabaceae Scientific name: Ulex europaeus Description: Plant Form Woody spiny shrub. Size Up to 4 m tall. Stem Erect, soft to rough and woody developing fissures as matures. Leaves Alternate to spirally arranged, very spiny with waxy coating, 6-30 mm long. Flowers Bright yellow pea-like 15-25 mm long. Fruit and Seeds Oblong, greyish pods 10-20 mm long covered in fine hairs. Habitat Roadsides, creek banks, bushland, disturbed areas. Distinguishing Features Combination of erect woody habit, spikiness and pea-like flowers make it distinctive. Impacts Forms dense thickets excluding native species and grazers but encouraging feral animals. Reduces species diversity and agricultural capacity. Bushfire risk.