Flowering Plants

Cistus (from the Greek "Kistos") is a genus of flowering plants in the rockrose family Cistaceae, containing about 20 species. They are perennial shrubs found on dry or rocky soils through out the Mediterranean region. From Morocco to Portugal through to the Middle East and also on the Canary Islands.Together with its many hybrids and cultivars is commonly encountered as a garden flower.The common name rockrose is applied to the species.
A name also shared by the related genera Halimium.Helianthemum and Tuberaria all in the family Cistaceae.The common name gum cistus is applied to resin bearing species especially C. ladanifer.The leaves are evergreen, opposite, simple, usually slightly rough-surfaced, 2–8 cm long. In few species (notably C. ladanifer) the leaves are coated with a highly aromatic resin called labdanum.They have showy 5-petaled flowers ranging from white to purple and dark pink. In a few species with a conspicuous dark red spot at the base of each petal.