Cistus monspeliensis L.

Spice Flower Fruit In the field

Family: CISTACEAE

Genus: Cistus

Catalan common name: Estepa llimonenca. Estepa negra.

Spanish common name: Estepa morisca. Estepa mosquera. Estepa negra. Jaguarzo negro.

Province distribution: Alacant. Balearic Islands. Barcelona. Castelló. Girona. Tarragona. València.

Distribution in the islands: Mallorca. Menorca. Ibiza. Formentera. Cabrera.

General distribution (Phytogeography): Mediterranean

Uses and properties: Aromatic. Medicinal.

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Nanophanerophyte.

Habitats: Wild olive trees and other sclerophyllous shrublands. Juniperus phoenicea subsp. turbinata forest. Tree heather maquis and silicolous garigues. Garriques

Characteristics: The black rock rose has white flowers, and the leaves are dark green. It is easy to identify because the leaves, which are very elongated, have glandules which give off a characteristic aroma and which stick to your fingers. In some places with strong grazing pressure the black rock rose can be the dominant bush.