Flor de Retama Flowers
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Flor de Retama varies in length in local markets, depending on its age at harvest and the size of the stems that foragers cut. The plant is comprised of elongated, upright cylindrical stems that are typically smooth, dark green, firm, and fibrous. The stems are pliable but not easily bent, averaging anywhere from 20 to 35 centimeters in length and less than one centimeter in diameter. Very few leaves are found on the species, and they are mostly seen in alternate arrangements on younger branches. The stems seasonally produce golden yellow flowers in loose clusters at the top of the plant. The blooms range from 1 to 2 centimeters in diameter and have two larger petals combined with two smaller ones at the base. The flowers are oval in appearance with a soft point and have a soft, delicate, and velvety nature. Flor de Retama emits a faintly green, grassy, and hay-like aroma. The plants are not eaten and are reserved for ornamental and select medicinal
Seasons/Availability
Flor de Retama typically blooms from May through June in Peru. In some regions, the flowers may also appear at other varying points throughout the year.
Current Facts
Flor de Retama, botanically classified as Spartium junceum, is a flowering species belonging to the Fabaceae family. The upright plants produce long, reed-like stems extending over 1 to 3 meters in height and seasonally bear brightly colored, golden-yellow flowers. Flor de Retama translates from Spanish to “Retama Flower” and is also known as Retama, Retama Amarilla, Escoba Amarilla, Gayomba, and Retama de Olor. In English, the species is known as Spanish Broom, Weaver’s Broom, Rush Broom, and Yellow Broom. Spartium junceum is an ancient species that has spread to geographic regions worldwide and is favored as an ornamental. In Peru, where the name Retama is the most used descriptor, the species is revered as a natural medicine and ornamental throughout the Andes. Flor de Retama is seasonally gathered fresh, and the flowers, stems, leaves and seeds are used in a wide array of medicinal preparations. It is important to note that while some communities do use this plant in natural remedies, discussion with a medical professional prior to use is mandatory as the plant can be toxic if not handled correctly.
Nutritional Value
Flor de Retama is used in natural medicines worldwide. While medicinal uses are mentioned in this section, more research needs to be done with a medical professional before assumptions about this plant’s usefulness can be made. In South America, the yellow flowers are combined into infusions and can be used fresh or dried. Floral and leaf infusions are thought to help with respiratory infections, liver issues, and stomach problems or lessen colds and flu. Some research indicates the species may be a source of active substances that showcase antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties are utilized in topical skincare products such as lotions and creams to soothe the skin. Parts of the plants are also infused into mouthwashes or toothpaste to rub onto inflamed gums.
Applications
Flor de Retama is not utilized for culinary preparations and is solely viewed as an ornamental and medicinal plant. Some sources note that the plant can be toxic if used in incorrect quantities due to its cyanogenic glycosides and alkaloid content. Flor de Retama should never be applied topically or ingested in infusions without prior discussion with a medical professional. Beyond having toxic and sometimes fatal properties if overconsumed, topically applied parts of the plant can occasionally cause skin irritation and itching in some individuals with sensitive skin. Flor de Retama is only used in small medicinal quantities through the guidance of experts in Peruvian communities, and the plants are mostly incorporated into teas and infusions. They are also infused into tropical products and scattered in baths as a natural skin treatment.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Flor de Retama is viewed as a symbol of the Andean communities throughout Peru. The strong, reed-like stems are woven when fresh into baskets, and the branches are bunched together and dried to make brooms. Fibers from the plant can also be dried into a rope-like material. The yellow flowers are believed to ward off evil and are sometimes scattered on the ground during religious processionals. Flowering branches are also hung in houses to repel insects, and the flowers are crushed to make a yellow dye used for fabrics. One of the most famous references to Flor de Retama is the protest song written by Ricardo Dolorier in the 1970s. The song entitled “Flor de Retama” was written about the killing of over thirty students who were protesting rulings made by the Peruvian presidency in Ayacucho in 1969. The song was in response to the violence and government brutality, and the running metaphor throughout the song uses the yellow Retama flowers to describe the deceased community members of Ayacucho. After the song’s release, Flor de Retama became a symbol of the communities residing in the Andes Mountains and is still played in modern-day protests and demonstrations.
Geography/History
Spartium junceum is believed to be native to areas of Europe and has been growing wild since ancient times. The exact history of how the species was introduced into South America is unknown, but some historians suggest that it may have been planted during the arrival of the Spanish and Portuguese sometime after the 16th century. Over time, Spartium junceum has been spread worldwide and has naturalized in many regions, becoming intertwined into the culture, medicinal, and folkloric practices of each area. In Peru, the upright shrub can be found growing along riverbanks, in fields, ravines, and undisturbed land throughout the Andes Mountains, typically between 2,500 to 3,500 meters in elevation. Spartium junceum has naturalized in the Peruvian provinces of Huancayo, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Jauja, and Cusco, and the flowers, leaves, and stems are primarily foraged from these naturally growing plants. The Flor de Retama featured in the photograph above was sourced through a medicinal vendor in a local market in Surquillo, a district within Lima, Peru.
