Laburnum anagyroides Laburnum

A small tree, native to the mountains of central Europe, which produces outstanding golden-yellow cascades of flowers in late spring and summer. The wood which is dark and hard is valued for cabinet making. It is often planted in gardens and parks and may naturalise as a result of self-seeding although most records in West Glamorgan are planted individuals. It contains a number of interesting phytochemicals of which the most significant is the quinolizidine alkaloid, cytisine, which is present in all parts of tree but present in high concentrations in the seed. It is extremely toxic in high doses. However, one of its interesting effects, in low doses, is its ability to block the stimulatory effects of nicotine and as such has been used as anti-smoking aid in some countries.

Neophyte