The hairy thorny broom (lat. Calycotome villosa) also known as the spiny broom, is a perennial shrub, that is endemic to the Mediterranean countries. It is characterized by large thorns and flowers in a bright yellow color, with a strong odor. In Greece, it occurs almost everywhere, in dry areas.
In his Socratic dialogue, Republic, Plato mentions the hairy thorn as part of the afterlife punishment of tyrants who had committed injustices. G. Seferis's last poem Over Aspalathus Bushes, written during the Greek military Junta, is based on this testimony.
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