Appearance
"Cistus salviifolius" has spreading stems covered by clumpy hairs. This bushy shrub reaches on average 30–60 centimetres in height, with a maximum of 100 centimetres. The oval-shaped green leaves are 1 to 4 centimeters long, opposite, reticulate, tomentose on both sides, with a short petiole.The inflorescence holds one or more round flowers, long-stalked, arranged at the leaf axils. The five white petals have a yellow spot at the base, forming a corolla 4–6 cm in diameter. The stamens are also yellow and the anthers shed abundant yellow pollen. This plant is pollinated by insects, especially by bees. The flowering period extends from April through May. The fruit is a pentagonal capsule, 5–7 mm long.
Naming
The genus name "Cistus" derives from the Ancient Greek words "κίσθος" meaning basket, while the species name "salviifolius" refers the wrinkled leaves similar to those of the sage.
Distribution
This showy wildflower is native to the Mediterranean region, in southern Europe and parts of Western Asia and North Africa.
Habitat
This plant prefers dry hills, scrubland and open woodlands, at an altitude of 0–1,200 metres above sea level. It regrows very quickly following a fire.References:
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