Common Name: White-leaf Rock Rose

General Information

Cistus albidus is a compact, bushy, evergreen shrub which can eventually grow up to 1.8 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

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Range

Mediterranean region - Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Morocco, Algeria..

Habitat

Garigue, rocky places on limestone soils and open pine forest[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Bees
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Cistus albidus is native to the Mediterranean region, with its hot, dry summers and cool, moist winters. It is not very hardy outside the milder regions of the temperate zone, though this is one of the hardier species in the genus and can tolerate winter temperatures dipping occasionally to between -10 and -15°c so long as the soil is fairly dry[]. A covering of bracken or leafy branches in severe weather is a help, and will often save plants that would otherwise perish[]. Plants are also somewhat hardier when grown in poor soils[].
Cistus species generally grow best in a sunny position in a well-drained light sandy soil[, ]. Established plants are very drought tolerant[, ]. This species prefers a calcareous or basic soil[, ], and tolerates maritime exposure[].
Plants are apt to be short-lived[].
Individual flowers only last one day but there is a long succession of them over several weeks[].
The flowers are very attractive to bees.
Dislikes pruning or root disturbance[, ]. Plants should be pot grown and then planted out in their final positions whilst still small[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].
In cultivation, Cistus species will often hybridize freely with other members of the genus[]. This species is closely related to Cistus crispus and often hybridizes with it[].
Cistus species form ectomychorrizal roots, developing symbiotic relationships with various mychorrizal fungal species, mainly belonging to the genus Lactarius[]. This relationship aids the plants in water and nutrient uptake often helping the host plant to survive adverse conditions whilst, in exchange, the fungal symbiont is provided with access to carbohydrates.

Edible Uses

The leaves are used as a tea substitute[, ].

The dried leaves are sometimes used as an adulterant for marjoram (Origanum majorana)[].

Medicinal

The plant is analgesic, antifungal, antiviral, antiinflammatory, gastro protective anti-tumor effects and for being preventive against cardiovascular diseases[, ]. It is used in the treatment of fever, diarrhoea, skin diseases, rheumatism and other inflammatory conditions[].

Recent studies have provided a rational basis for the beneficial effects of Cistus extracts by demonstrating their anti-gastric ulcer, anti-proliferative, cytotoxic, antibacterial, antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities[].
The plant contains a remarkable combination of chemical components including a high content in tannins, in leucoanthocyanins and in glucosids[].
The resin, ladanum, secreted by the glandular trichomes of this species, contains a number of phytochemicals with antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - gather when ripe and store dry[]. Surface sow in late winter in a greenhouse[]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 4 weeks at 20°c[]. Seeds in the wild are more likely to germinate following a forest fire[], so it could be worth giving the seedlings heat treatment by placing a small amount of fast-burning flammable material on top of them and then allowing it to burn for perhaps 20 - 30 seconds[]. Prick out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle into individual pots. Grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out the in the following spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts[]. The seed stores for at least 3 years[].
Cuttings of softish to half-ripe wood, 8cm long with a heel or at a node, early to late summer in a frame. Roots are formed within 3 weeks[]. High percentage[].
Cuttings of almost mature wood, 8 - 12cm with a heel or at a node, early to mid autumn in a frame. High percentage[]. Lift and pot up in the spring, plant out when a good root system has formed[].
Layering in spring.