ROCK ROSE
(Cistus creticus)
Appearance
A densely branched aromatic shrub with rounded, gland-dotted,
hairy leaves. Purple-pink 5 petalled flowers with numerous stamens
appear between February and June. The fruit is a hairy woody capsule
containing numerous seeds.
Habitat
Common on dry stony hillsides in garigue and low maquis vegetation
from sea level to 5,000 ft.
Uses and Properties
The leaves of the plant yield ladanum (an aromatic
medicinal resin) used both in modern perfumery and medicine.
