Carqueja (Ulex europaeus)

A European plant introduced by the first Count of Carvalhal on his estate in Palheiro in the early 19th century. It is now widespread in the middle region of the island, where it often forms extensive masses associated with broom. The new branches of this plant, after being properly crushed due to the thorns, constitute an excellent food for livestock. Carqueja is known in Portugal by the name of tojo.