DENNIS KUNKEL MICROSCOPY / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY DENNIS KUNKEL MICROSCOPY / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Scotch Broom (or Common Broom) pollen (Cytisus scoparius), coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Sarothamnus scoparius is a native perennial leguminous shrub native to western and central Europe. It has been extensively introduced into several other continents outside of Europe and is classified as a invasive species in California and the Pacific Northwest in North America. It has also been well established in Australia, New Zealand and India. Some attempts have been made to develop biological controls in affected areas, using three broom-feeding insects. As a legume, these shrubs fix nitrogen (nitrogen fixation) in the soil by a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria. Scotch Broom is a mild allergen (allergenic pollen). Magnification: x600 when shortest axis printed at 25 millimetres.
Model release not required. Property release not required.